An Efficient Ply-Level Based Modeling Strategy for Predicting Delamination Behavior in Laminated Composites

A ply-level based modeling strategy for predicting the delamination behavior of laminated composites under pure and mixed mode loading conditions is implemented within the framework of the Finite Element Method. Each ply and each interface of the laminate is explicitly modeled, with the plies represented by various element types such as conventional shell, continuum shell, and continuum elements, and the interfaces are discretized using cohesive zone elements. The comparison between all models is examined in terms of delamination onset and growth including load-displacement curves, delamination area, computation time, and mode-mixity. The results show that all ply-level based modeling strategies exhibit very good agreement with the analytical results. Moreover, ply-level approach based on shell elements in combination with finite thickness cohesive zone elements offers a numerically efficient simulation tool to predict delamination behavior in laminates.