A finite element method for the computational modelling of cohesive cracks

Mergheim, J., Kuhl, E. and Steinmann, P. (2005) A finite element method for the computational modelling of cohesive cracks. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 63(2), pp. 276-289. (doi: 10.1002/nme.1286)

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Abstract

The present contribution is concerned with the computational modelling of cohesive cracks in quasibrittle materials, whereby the discontinuity is not limited to interelement boundaries, but is allowed to propagate freely through the elements. In the elements, which are intersected by the discontinuity, additional displacement degrees of freedom are introduced at the existing nodes. Therefore, two independent copies of the standard basis functions are used. One set is put to zero on one side of the discontinuity, while it takes its usual values on the opposite side, and vice versa for the other set. To model inelastic material behaviour, a discrete damage-type constitutive model is applied, formulated in terms of displacements and tractions at the surface. Some details on the numerical implementation are given, concer ning the failure criterion, the determination of the direction of the discontinuity and the integration scheme. Finally, numerical examples show the performance of the method.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Steinmann, Professor Paul
Authors: Mergheim, J., Kuhl, E., and Steinmann, P.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
Journal Name:International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0029-5981
ISSN (Online):1097-0207
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