Solution strategies for the delamination analysis based on a combination of local-control arc-length and line searches

The paper describes a local-control arc-length method which can be combined with various forms of line-search procedure. In particular, a new ‘double-line-search’ method is developed, which signi cantly improves the solution procedure and turns out to be e cient and robust. Although the potential range of applications is wide, the method is here limited to the nite element analysis of delamination in a laminated composite using a cohesive-zone model combined with interface elements. Three problems have been analysed and comparisons have been made with experimental results