A finite element model of a double cantilever beam specimen is developed. The adherends are modeled using plane strain elastic continuum elements. Furthermore, the adhesive is modeled using a mesomechanical modeling technique which allows for simulation of initiation and propagation of micro-cracks. This enables the modeling of the entire process of degradation and fracture of the adhesive layer. The purpose of the present study is to compare the stress-deformation behavior in an idealized peel loading to the behavior in a double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen where the adhesive layer is deformed wilt a slight gradient along the layer. Previously performed experiments and simulations of the RVE are used as a comparison to the simulated results.