Three-dimensional brittle fracture: configurational-force-driven crack propagation

Kaczmarczyk, L. , Mousavi Nezhad, M. and Pearce, C. (2014) Three-dimensional brittle fracture: configurational-force-driven crack propagation. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 97(7), pp. 531-550. (doi: 10.1002/nme.4603)

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Abstract

This paper presents a computational framework for quasi-static brittle fracture in three dimensional solids. The paper set outs the theoretical basis for determining the initiation and direction of propagating cracks based on the concept of configurational mechanics, consistent with Griffith's theory. Resolution of the propagating crack by the finite element mesh is achieved by restricting cracks to element faces and adapting the mesh to align it with the predicted crack direction. A local mesh improvement procedure is developed to maximise mesh quality in order to improve both accuracy and solution robustness and to remove the influence of the initial mesh on the direction of propagating cracks. An arc-length control technique is derived to enable the dissipative load path to be traced. A hierarchical hp-refinement strategy is implemented in order to improve both the approximation of displacements and crack geometry. The performance of this modelling approach is demonstrated on two numerical examples that qualitatively illustrate its ability to predict complex crack paths. All problems are three-dimensional, including a torsion problem that results in the accurate prediction of a doubly-curved crack.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:fracture; configurational forces; crack path; mesh adaptivity; mesh quality; arc-length control
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kaczmarczyk, Professor Lukasz and Mousavi Nezhad, Dr Mohaddeseh and Pearce, Professor Chris
Authors: Kaczmarczyk, L., Mousavi Nezhad, M., and Pearce, C.
Subjects:T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
Journal Name:International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering
Journal Abbr.:IJNME
ISSN:0029-5981
ISSN (Online):1097-0207

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
64909Efficient 3D predictive modelling of crack propagation in nuclear graphiteChris PearceEDF EnergyUNSPECIFIED