Finite element modeling of delamination by layerwise shell element allowing for interlaminar displacements

This paper presents a novel approach of modeling the delamination phenomenon experienced by laminated composite plate and shell structures by using a previously developed layerwise shell finite element in conjunction with some transformations. This layerwise element is formulated by stacking some single-layered shell elements through a transformation of displacements of the mid-surface of a layer to those on the mid-surface of the laminated composite shell structure. It can accurately model the overall displacements and interlaminar stresses of a laminated composite shell structures whose layers are perfectly (rigidly) bonded. The novelty of the present approach, however, lies in the fact that two different transformations are used so that interlaminar displacements as well as interlaminar stresses can be represented in the finite element model. The transformations allow for displacement mismatches across the normal direction of the layer interfaces (the normal mode of delamination) and between layers (the shear mode). As a result, the proposed methodology can be used to model the open and shear modes of delamination. A two-layered simply supported composite beam and a two-layered simply supported cross-ply square plate are then chosen for numerical studies. These examples demonstrate how the present approach can be applied to accurately model delamination phenomena such as shear slip and normal separation. The paper concludes with suggestions for future work.