Use of an enriched shell finite element to simulate delamination-migration in a composite laminate

A formulation is presented for an enriched shell finite element capable of progressive damage simulation in composite laminates. The element enrichment uses the Floating Node Method to discretely represent delamination, and the Virtual Crack Closure Technique to predict damage growth. The damage path is not predefined by the user and it can consist of delaminations and transverse matrix cracking. The element is computationally efficient and is intended to demand less time and expertise from the user than existing laminate damage simulation tools. In this study, the enriched element is used to simulate delaminationmigration in a composite laminate. Good correlation was found between the enriched shell element model results and the experimental data set. Published by Elsevier Ltd.