Towards the algorithmic treatment of 3D strong discontinuities

Mergheim, J., Kuhl, E. and Steinmann, P. (2007) Towards the algorithmic treatment of 3D strong discontinuities. Communications in Numerical Methods in Engineering, 23(2), pp. 97-108. (doi: 10.1002/cnm.885)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

A geometrically non-linear finite element framework for the modelling of propagating discontinuities in three-dimensional continua is presented. By doubling the degrees of freedom in the discontinuous elements, the algorithm allows for arbitrary discontinuities which are not restricted to inter-element boundaries. The deformation field is interpolated independently on both sides of the discontinuity. In contrast to the X-FEM, the suggested approach thus relies exclusively on displacement degrees of freedom. On the discontinuity surface, the jump in the deformation is related to the cohesive tractions to account for smooth crack opening. Computational difficulties characteristic of three-dimensional crack propagation are addressed. The performance of the method is elaborated by means of a homogeneous three-dimensional tension problem and by means of the classical peel test.

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:Communications in Numerical Methods in Engineering
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1069-8299
ISSN (Online):1099-0887
Related URLs:

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record