A novel monolithic Lagrangian approach for modelling crack propagation using anisotropic mesh adaptation

Abstract

A monolithic Lagrangian finite element method is explored to model crack propagation. This approach is based on the level-set method coupled with anisotropic remeshing to define the crack faces and tip. Moreover, the Gθ method is used for computing the strain energy release rate and the propagation direction. Furthermore, a new technique for computing the convection velocity, which is a mixture between the propagation speed and the mechanical velocity, is introduced.