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Journal article
Abaqus implementation of a phase field–cohesive zone fracture model for composite structures with an implicit scheme
Archive of Applied Mechanics, v 96(3), 50
18 Feb 2026
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
Commercial and academic finite element software packages typically support either phase field modeling for bulk failure or cohesive zone modeling for interfacial damage. Still, an integrated and flexible framework that combines these two is not easily available in commercial software. This paper presents a phase field–cohesive zone (PF–CZ) model implemented in Abaqus, enabling simultaneous simulation of bulk and interfacial fracture within a single computational platform. This framework combines user-defined elements (UEL) for the phase field formulation that covers both brittle and ductile fractures in the bulk, and various Abaqus built-in cohesive elements with customizable traction–separation laws for the interface. A robust and implicit Newton–Raphson solution scheme combined with a staggered method is employed to solve phase and displacement unknowns, with detailed derivation of the stiffness and tangent stiffness matrices. Validation is performed via three-element tensile tests comparing results from Abaqus and MATLAB-based step-by-step calculations. The model is further demonstrated through simulations of bi-material interface fracture, ceramic matrix composite failure, and four-point bending of reinforced concrete beams. This work offers a verified and extensible framework for researchers and engineers who are new to either the phase field model or the cohesive zone model to study complex fracture scenarios in composite structures. In addition, the limitations of the phase field length scale parameter are analyzed and verified through simulation results.
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Details
- Title
- Abaqus implementation of a phase field–cohesive zone fracture model for composite structures with an implicit scheme
- Creators
- Li Meng - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsHsiao Wei Lee - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsAlireza Ashkpour - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsMohammad Irfan Iqbal - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringChristopher Sales - Drexel University, C. and J. Nyheim Plasma InstituteMija H. Hubler - University of Colorado BoulderYaghoob “Amir” Farnam - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringAhmad Raeisi Najafi (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Publication Details
- Archive of Applied Mechanics, v 96(3), 50
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 30
- Grants
- D23AC00043-00, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (United States, Arlington) - ARPA
- Grant note
- Defense Sciences Office, DARPA: D23AC00043-00
This research was, in part, funded by the US Government. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the US Government. This research was supported by DARPA under Award Instrument Number D23AC00043-00 and was performed at Drexel University in the Multiscale Computational Mechanics and Biomechanics (MCMB) Lab. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Matthew Pava and Dr. Jayan Rammohan from DARPA's Biological Technologies Office, as well as Dr. Claretta Sullivan from the Air Force Research Laboratories. All simulations were conducted on Picotte, Drexel University's primary high-performance computing cluster, and PCs in the MCMB laboratory.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- C. and J. Nyheim Plasma Institute; Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001694471700001
- Other Identifier
- 991022161143004721