A combined finite/discrete element algorithm for delamination analysis of composites

A combined finite/discrete element method is developed to model delamination behaviour in laminated composites. A penalty based algorithm is employed to evaluate the interlaminar stress state. The failure surface for delamination is defined by a Chang-Springer criterion, and the interlaminar crack propagation is achieved by a standard discrete element contact/release algorithm. The ability of the method for simulation of this behaviour is assessed by solving standard test cases available from the literature.