Cohesive Zone Modeling

Cohesive zone modeling can be used to model adhesive and bonded interfaces and corresponding crack initiation and propagation. There are multiple methods using adhesive and bonded interfaces which can currently be modeled in OptiStruct.

Figure 1.

Depending on the method, thickness of the adhesive/bonded interface can be defined (for damage model-based cohesive elements). The locations where cracks are expected should be identified and defined as cohesive zones.