Abstract: A 4 node plate element based on Mindlin first order shearing theory is presented to analyze delamination front contact effect on pre buckling and post buckling behavior of composite laminates with elliptical delamination damage. Contact effect is analyzed by using gap element in the delamination region without friction being considered. The results show that delamination front contact effect is related to the aspect of elliptical delamination. Pre buckling and post buckling behaviors of composite laminates with delamination of which the major axis is consistent with the compressive load direction are affected significantly by the delamination front contact effect.