A cohesive finite element formulation for modelling fracture and delamination in solids

Abstract

In recent years, cohesive zone models have been employed to simulate fracture and delamination in solids. This paper presents in detail the formulation for incorporating cohesive zone models within the framework of a large deformation finite element procedure. A special Ritz-finite element technique is employed to control nodal instabilities that may arise when the cohesive elements experience material softening and lose their stress carrying capacity. A few simple problems are presented to validate the implementation of the cohesive element formulation and to demonstrate the robustness of the Ritz solution method. Finally, quasi-static crack growth along the interface in an adhesively bonded system is simulated employing the cohesive zone model. The crack growth resistance curves obtained from the simulations show trends similar to those observed in experimental studies