  Interface cracking is one of the most prominent failure modes in fibre
reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Recent trends in high-tech applications of
FRP composites exploit the limits of the load bearing capacity, generally
encompassing the development of notable nonlinear effects from geometrical and
material signatures. In this investigation, we present a comprehensive
assessment of the new Linear Elastic Brittle Interface Model (LEBIM) in
geometrically nonlinear applications undergoing mixed-mode fracture conditions.
This interface model for triggering fracture events is formulated through the
advocation of continuum-like assumptions (for initial non-zero interface
thickness) and allows the incorporation of the potential role of the in-plane
deformation effects. The performance of the present interface model is
demonstrated through the simulation of specimens with mixed-mode delamination,
with special attention for its application in samples equipped with structured
interfaces. Current predictions exhibit an excellent agreement with respect to
experimental data, validating the proposed methodology.
