Progressive delamination analysis of composite materials using XFEM and a discrete damage zone model

The modeling of progressive delamination by means of a discrete damage zone model within the extended finite element method is investigated. This framework allows for both bulk and interface damages to be conveniently traced, regardless of the underlying mesh alignment. For discrete interfaces, a new mixed-mode force---separation relation, which accounts for the coupled interaction between opening and sliding modes, is proposed. The model is...