Modeling three-dimensional crack propagation-A comparison of crack path tracking strategies

The development of a new finite element technique for the simulation of discontinuous failure phenomena in three dimensions is the key objective of this study. In contrast to the widely used extended finite element technique, we apply a purely deformation‐based strategy based on an independent inter...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal for numerical methods in engineering 2008-11, Vol.76 (9), p.1328-1352
Main Authors: Jäger, P., Steinmann, P., Kuhl, E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
cohesive zone model
Computational techniques
discrete failure
Exact sciences and technology
fixed tracking
Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...)
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
global tracking
local tracking
Mathematical methods in physics
Physics
Solid mechanics
Structural and continuum mechanics
three-dimensional crack propagation
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Summary:The development of a new finite element technique for the simulation of discontinuous failure phenomena in three dimensions is the key objective of this study. In contrast to the widely used extended finite element technique, we apply a purely deformation‐based strategy based on an independent interpolation of the deformation field on both sides of the discontinuity. This method has been applied successfully for two‐dimensional crack propagation problems in the past. However, when it comes to three‐dimensional failure phenomena, it faces the same difficulties as the extended finite element method. Unlike in two dimensions, the characterization for the three‐dimensional failure surface is non‐unique and the tracking of the discrete crack can be performed in several conceptually different ways. In this work, we review the four most common three‐dimensional crack tracking strategies. We perform a systematic comparison in terms of standard algorithmic quality measures such as mesh independency, efficiency, robustness, stability and computational cost. Moreover, we discuss more specific issues such as crack path continuity and integratability in commercial finite element packages. The features of the suggested crack tracking algorithms will be elaborated by means of characteristic benchmark problems in failure analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN:0029-5981
1097-0207
DOI:10.1002/nme.2353