Simulation of delamination in fiber composites with a discrete cohesive failure model

Delamination initiation and growth are analyzed by using a discrete cohesiv e crack model. The model is derived by postulating the existence of a maxim um load surface which limits the adhesive forces in the process zone of the crack. The size of the maximum load surface is made dependent on the amoun t of dissipated crack opening work such that the maximum load surface shrin ks to zero as a predefined amount of work is consumed. Mode I, II, III load ing or any combined loading is possible. The delamination model is implemen ted in the explicit finite-element code LS-DYNA and simulation results are found to be in agreement with experimental results. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.