Extended Finite Element Method for Crack Propagation

Novel techniques for modeling 3D cracks and their evolution in solids are presented. Cracks are modeled in terms of signed distance functions (level sets). Stress, strain and displacement field are determined using the extended finite elements method (X-FEM). Non-linear constitutive behavior for the crack tip region are developed within this framework to account for non-linear effect in crack propagation. Applications for static or dynamics case are provided.

Sylvie Pommier is Professor at Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan and the LMT-Cachan Laboratory in France. Her main research topics include the development of fatigue crack growth rate predictions and methods accounting for load history effects under complex loading conditions (mixed mode loading, non-isothermal fatigue, variable amplitude, corrosion assisted fatigue).

Anthony Gravouil is Professor at INSA and the LaMCoS Laboratory in Lyon, France. His main research topics include the development of efficient and robust numerical methods (X-FEM) for the simulation of crack growth without remeshing, local multi-grid strategy coupled with X-FEM with a 3D representation of “real” cracks by level sets from 3D imaging and the development of space-time multi-scale methods for transient nonlinear dynamics (simulation of crash and impact phenomena).

Alain Combescure is Professor at INSA in Lyon, France. His specialties include buckling, fracture mechanics, dynamics (mainly computational mechanics).

Nicolas Moës is Professor at Ecole Centrale de Nantes in France. His research interests include computational methods in engineering for fracture and impact, and X-FEM.