Objective Based on interface damage, a numerical simulation method for in-plane propagation of false lumen (FL) was proposed to explore the regular pattern of in-plane propagation of the initial cavity. Methods Three interface damage modes were characterized by bi-linear traction separation law, and the damage parameters were calibrated by simulating peeling and shearing tests. The damage interface was introduced into the ideal double-layer cylindrical tube aortic model by means of cohesive zone model (CZM) to simulate the in-plane propagation of FL. The control variable method was used to establish several computational models to investigate the influence of cavity geometric parameters on propagation direction, critical pressure and interface damage mode. Results The interface damage was mainly opening mode (Mode I) in axial propagation and sliding mode (Mode II) in circumferential propagation. With radial depth of the initial cavity increasing, the propagation of the FL changed from circumferential direction to axial direction, the critical pressure decreased, and the axial damage tended to be pure opening mode. With circumferential angle and axial length of the initial cavity increasing, the critical pressure decreased and the circumferential damage tended to be pure sliding mode. The critical pressure of single damage was lower than that of mixed damage. Conclusions The CZM can effectively characterize interface damage behavior of elastic lamellae within the media, and it applies to numerical simulation of in-plane propagation of the FL. The results of this study is helpful to understand the complex pathophysiological process of dissection crack propagation.