Quasi-static crack propagation with a Griffith criterion using a variational discrete element method

TL;DR

This paper introduces a variational discrete element method for simulating quasi-static crack propagation, utilizing energetic and kinking criteria to accurately model crack growth between mesh cells.

Contribution

It presents a novel variational discrete element approach that couples energetic and kinking criteria for crack propagation simulation.

Findings

Method effectively simulates crack paths in 2D examples.

Demonstrates robustness and versatility of the approach.

Accurately models crack propagation guided by energetic and kinking criteria.

Abstract

A variational discrete element method is applied to simulate quasi-static crack propagation. Cracks are considered to propagate between the mesh cells through the mesh facets. The elastic behaviour is parametrized by the continuous mechanical parameters (Young modulus and Poisson ratio). A discrete energetic cracking criterion coupled to a discrete kinking criterion guide the cracking process. Two-dimensional numerical examples are presented to illustrate the robustness and versatility of the method.