A finite element model for propagating delamination in laminated composite plates based on the Virtual Crack Closure method

In the paper, a simple and efficient algorithm to track a moving delamination front of arbitrary shape, using a laminated finite plate element model in conjunction with the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT), is proposed. The solution requires the calculation of the virtually closed area in front of the delamination, which is approximated by means of a 6-node-polygon, the delamination opening behind this front and the reaction forces in the...