Modeling quasi-static crack growth with the extended finite element method Part I: Computer implementation

N. Sukumar, J. H. Prévost

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

419 Scopus citations

Abstract

The extended finite element method (X-FEM) is a numerical method for modeling strong (displacement) as well as weak (strain) discontinuities within a standard finite element framework. In the X-FEM, special functions are added to the finite element approximation using the framework of partition of unity. For crack modeling in isotropic linear elasticity, a discontinuous function and the two-dimensional asymptotic crack-tip displacement fields are used to account for the crack. This enables the domain to be modeled by finite elements without explicitly meshing the crack surfaces, and hence quasi-static crack propagation simulations can be carried out without remeshing. In this paper, we discuss some of the key issues in the X-FEM and describe its implementation within a general-purpose finite element code. The finite element program Dynaflow™ is considered in this study and the implementation for modeling 2-d cracks in isotropic and bimaterial media is described. In particular, the array-allocation for enriched degrees of freedom, use of geometric-based queries for carrying out nodal enrichment and mesh partitioning, and the assembly procedure for the discrete equations are presented. We place particular emphasis on the design of a computer code to enable the modeling of discontinuous phenomena within a finite element framework.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7513-7537
Number of pages25
JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures
Volume40
Issue number26
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2003

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Modeling and Simulation
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Applied Mathematics

Keywords

  • Crack modeling
  • Extended finite element
  • Finite element programming
  • Partition of unity
  • Singularity
  • Strong discontinuities

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