Finite element modeling strategies for 2D and 3D delamination propagation in composite DCB specimens using VCCT, CZM and XFEM approaches

Virtual crack closure technique (VCCT), cohesive zone modeling (CZM) and extended finite element method (XFEM) are three well-known numerical methods frequently used for crack propagation modeling. It is often questioned by new researchers and engineers: which method is more appropriate for modeling of delamination propagation in composites? In this study, advantages, limitations, and challenges of each method are discussed with the goal of...