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Node-to-segment and node-to-surface interface finite elements for fracture mechanics

Paggi, Marco and Wriggers, Peter Node-to-segment and node-to-surface interface finite elements for fracture mechanics. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 300. pp. 540-560. ISSN 0045-7825 (2016)

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Abstract

The topologies of existing interface elements used to discretize cohesive cracks are such that they can be used to compute the relative displacements (displacement discontinuities) of two opposing segments (in 2D) or of two opposing facets (in 3D) belonging to the opposite crack faces and enforce the cohesive traction–separation relation. In the present work we propose a novel type of interface element for fracture mechanics sharing some analogies with the node-to-segment (in 2D) and with the node-to-surface (in 3D) contact elements. The displacement gap of a node belonging to the finite element discretization of one crack face with respect to its projected point on the opposite face is used to determine the cohesive tractions, the residual vector and its consistent linearization for an implicit solution scheme. The following advantages with respect to classical interface finite elements are demonstrated: (i) non-matching finite element discretizations of the opposite crack faces is possible; (ii) easy modeling of cohesive cracks with non-propagating crack tips; (iii) the internal rotational equilibrium of the interface element is assured. Detailed examples are provided to show the usefulness of the proposed approach in nonlinear fracture mechanics problems.

Item Type: Article
Identification Number: 10.1016/j.cma.2015.11.023
Projects: ERC Starting Grant CA2PVM
Funders: European Research Council
Uncontrolled Keywords: Nonlinear fracture mechanics; Interface finite elements; Interface cracks; Finite element discretization; Cohesive zone model
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Research Area: Computer Science and Applications
Depositing User: Prof Marco Paggi
Date Deposited: 19 Apr 2016 08:08
Last Modified: 19 Apr 2016 08:08
URI: http://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/3457

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