Extended finite element method (XFEM) analysis of fiber reinforced composites for prediction of micro-crack propagation and delaminations in progressive damage: a review

Various methodologies and frameworks have been developed for extended finite element method (XFEM) to simulate two-dimensional and three-dimensional microcrack initiation and propagation through versatile material models for structures. In addition, mixed-mode cohesive zone is investigated and estimated for delamination, matrix cracking and fiber breakage in composite laminate models. The validation of Multiscale modeling for the fiber uniformity during the tensile behavior, prediction of crack and properties of composite material analyzed by XFEM modeling for the damage modes and comparison with the experimental work and the author’s recent experimental case study is presented. The further development is application of extended cohesive damage modelling (ECDM) without the additional complications of degrees of freedom and effective simulation of multicrack propagation and damage model. The capabilities of ECDM to work for single mode delamination and mixed mode delamination with a better efficiency and accuracy are well explained. The study simplifies the application of extended FEM for the prediction of multiple cracks applied to carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs), hence provides a better understanding for extended cohesive damage modelling for the recent developments.