Langford Analytic · Knowledge Base

Composite Delamination FEA Best Practices

Best practices for delamination FEA — choosing between cohesive zones and VCCT, interface placement and verification.

Advanced Damage & Failure5 min read
best practicesdelaminationFEAcohesive zoneVCCTcomposite

Best practices

  • Use cohesive zones for initiation + propagation; VCCT for propagation from defined crack
  • Place cohesive elements at interfaces identified as delamination risks
  • Provide G_Ic and G_IIc from DCB and ENF tests — material-specific
  • Use mixed-mode criteria (power law or B-K) — do not assume pure mode
  • Verify with standard fracture tests (DCB, ENF, MMB)
  • Document the method choice, parameters and verification