A novel continuum-decohesive finite element for modeling in-plane fracture in fiber reinforced composites

Abstract A new finite element to seamlessly model the transition from a continuum to a non-continuum (through fracture) is introduced in this paper, motivated by the variational multi-scale cohesive (VMCM) method. In-plane fiber–matrix fracture (also referred to as splitting) is frequently observed in tensile failure of fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites (FRPCs). By considering a single lamina, this mechanism is modeled through the development of a continuum-decohesive finite element (CDFE). In the CDFE method, the transition from a continuum to a non-continuum is modeled directly (physically) without resorting to enrichment of the shape functions of the element, as is done in other methods, such as the VMCM or through nodal enrichment, as is done with the extended finite element method (XFEM). The CDFE is a natural merger between cohesive elements and continuum elements. The predictions of the CDFE method were found to be in very good agreement with corresponding experimental data.