Application of cohesive-zone models to delamination behaviour of composite material

The parameters of cohesive elements have to be chosen correctly in the simulation of composite delamination by finite element method: such as interface strength, interface stiffness and shape of cohesive law. The purpose of this work is to investigate their influence on the accuracy of the results obtained. A three-dimensional cohesive-zone model has been established using Ls-dyna to simulate Double-Cantilever-Beam mode I (DCB) and Edge-Notched-Flexure mode II (ENF) tests. The influence of these parameters of cohesive element on the maximum load and the slope of load-displacement curve have been discussed by comparing experimental and numerical results. Four traction-separation laws: bilinear, linear-parabolic, exponential and trapezoidal were considered associated with a large variation of the interface strength and of the initial interface stiffness.