Modelling of progressive matrix cracking induced delaminations using an enriched shell element formulation

Paper in proceeding, 2017

In this contribution we present a computational model, implemented as an LS-DYNA user element, which can be adaptively refined through the thickness when and where delaminations need to be represented during a simulation. Using this we have investigated the models capability of simulating Matrix Crack Induced Delaminations (MCID), which it has been found to do well. Special emphasis has been put on the potential issue arising when combining smeared intralaminar cracks with explicitly modelled interlaminar cracks by cohesive interface elements, as is done in our model. We have found that this seems to be of small practical importance, especially when the element size is small, which normally is the case when modelling delaminations using cohesive interface elements.