Create the Cohesive Layers

Now that we have created the components, we can easily insert the cohesive layers between the different ply orientation groupings. Type the following commands into the command prompt:

• CZMESH, bottom_0, bottom_90
• CZMESH, bottom_90, middle_0
• CZMESH, middle_0, top_90
• CZMESH, top_90, top_0

Each instance of the CZMESH command will create a zero-thickness cohesive material layer. The cohesive layer uses the interface elements and the cohesive user material created previously. The Simulation Composite Analysis cohesive user material allows us to examine the delamination of the composite ply layers as the beam is loaded.