Having a FE mesh for a 2D model which consists of 2 different materials, how one can define interface elements at the shared nodes in order to use this model later in a Matlab code for damage analysis?
The interface between two different structures can be simulated in FEM using various types of interface elements are available. For, 2-dimensional analysis zero thickness surface to surface element can be used then, 3-d analysis volume to volume interface element to be uses. The surface to surface contact interfacial behaviour is 2-d in nature and to be defined using normal and shear stiffness at the interface..the deformation is both in normal to the interface called normal displacement and shear displacement due to shearing at the interface..i suggest you to read any text book related to finite element method for further details in this regard mainly to look for interface elements..ok all the best..