Damage Evolution of Laminated Composites Using Continuum Damage Mechanics Incorporate with Interface Element

In this paper, 3D continuum damage mechanics (CDM) incorporated with layer-wise theory and interface element is employed to investigate the progressive damage inside and between the laminate's layers under quasi-static axial loading. For this purpose, a finite element program is developed. To simulate the delamination, a quadratic interface element is used which is compatible with the 8-node numerical layers of layer-wise theory. Matrix cracking and delamination initiation and propagation of [302/-302]s angle-ply laminate are investigated and the obtained results are compared with the available experimental evidence.