Configurational-Force-Based Adaptive FE Solver for a Phase Field Model of Fracture

The computational modeling of failure mechanisms in solids due to fracture based on sharp crack discontinuities suffers in situations with complex crack topologies. This can be overcome by diffusive crack modeling, based on the introduction of a crack phase field as outlined in [1, 2]. Following these formulations, we outline a thermodynamically consistent framework for phase field models of crack propagation in elastic solids, develop incremental variational principles and, as an extension to [1, 2], consider their numerical implementations by an efficient h-adaptive finite element method. A key problem of the phase field formulation is the mesh density, which is required for the resolution of the diffusive crack patterns. To this end, we embed the computational framework into an adaptive mesh refinement strategy that resolves the fracture process zones. We construct a configurational-force-based framework for h-adaptive finite element discretizations of the gradient-type diffusive fracture model. We develop a staggered computational scheme for the solution of the coupled balances in physical and material space. The balance in the material space is then used to set up indicators for the quality of the finite element mesh and accounts for a subsequent h-type mesh refinement. The capability of the proposed method is demonstrated by means of a numerical example. (© 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Formulation and Application of the Initially Rigid Cohesive Finite Element Method

The presented procedure for cohesive crack propagation is based on an adaptive finite element (FE) implementation, which enables the introduction of cohesive surfaces in dependence on the current crack state. In contrast to already existing formulations, the focus of the present model lies on failure processes that can be described at quasi-static conditions within an implicit framework. Furthermore, an extension for mesh independent crack propagation in terms of an additional mesh adaptive formulation is presented. By the evaluation of the failure criterion considering the preferred crack direction, a new crack tip coordinate is computed and the discretization is accordingly adjusted. The remaining mesh is modified for the new boundary representation. The application of the proposed method is shown by the numerical investigation of a concrete fracture specimen from an experimental research project. (© 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Crack propagation calculation using trial cracks

We present a method to perform finite element calculations for crack propagation problems with arbitrary crack directions in two dimensions. The crack direction (angle of propagation) is determined by inserting small “trial cracks” at the crack tip. For each trial crack, the domain is remeshed to allow crack propagation between elements. The trial cracks are then opened and the energy release rate is measured. The optimum crack direction (i.e., the crack direction with maximum energy release) is determined by an optimisation procedure. Although the method is computationally expensive due to the need to perform several calculations for each crack increment, it has the advantage that the energy release rate can be calculated even in cases where other methods fail. After explaining the method, it is applied to some test examples. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Shape sensitivity of a plane crack front

The 3D‐elasticity model of a solid with a plane crack under the stress‐free boundary conditions at the crack is considered. We investigate variations of a solution and of energy functionals with respect to perturbations of the crack front in the plane. The corresponding expansions at least up to the second‐order terms are obtained. The strong derivatives of the solution are constructed as an iterative solution of the same elasticity problem with specified right‐hand sides. Using the expansion of the potential and surface energy, we consider an approximate quadratic form for local shape optimization of the crack front defined by the Griffith criterion. To specify its properties, a procedure of discrete optimization is proposed, which reduces to a matrix variational inequality. At least for a small load we prove its solvability and find a quasi‐static model of the crack growth depending on the loading parameter. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Variational–Based Formulation of Regularized Brittle Fracture

The paper performs a comparative study of variational-based brittle fracture with its gradient-type regularization, and outlines aspects of the numerical implementations of both approaches. The latter smoothes out sharp displacement discontinuities of cracks. On the side of discrete crack modeling, we propose a variational framework of configurational-force-driven crack propagation. The latter provides the basis for the computation of material nodal forces and drives the crack propagation in our proposed finite element framework with adaptive nodal doubling. Such a formulation is of limited applicability for the modeling of crack inititation in homogeneous bodies without defects and in situations with complex crack branching. This can be overcome by a regularized crack modeling. Here, an elliptic approximation of the crack surface term yields a regularized two field functional, where an additional scalar field approximates the set of discontinuities. We provide a simple interpretation of such a transition from the sharp crack to the regularized setting. It results in a smooth continuum-damage-type theory with a specific gradient-damage and hardening terms, depending on a length scale that represents the width of a zone that surrounds the crack. Such a variational framework is implemented by a coupled two-field finite element framework in a staightforward manner. We compare representative numerical results obtained by both methods for selected crack patterns and highlight the pro and contra of both meshes. (© 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Phase Field Modeling of Brittle and Ductile Fracture

The phase field modeling of brittle fracture was a topic of intense research in the last few years and is now well-established. We refer to the work [1-3], where a thermodynamically consistent framework was developed. The main advantage is that the phase-field-type diffusive crack approach is a smooth continuum formulation which avoids the modeling of discontinuities and can be implemented in a straightforward manner by multi-field finite element methods. Therefore complex crack patterns including branching can be resolved easily. In this paper, we extend the recently outlined phase field model of brittle crack propagation [1-3] towards the analysis of ductile fracture in elastic-plastic solids. In particular, we propose a formulation that is able to predict the brittle-to-ductile failure mode transition under dynamic loading that was first observed in experiments by Kalthoff and Winkler [4]. To this end, we outline a new thermodynamically consistent framework for phase field models of crack propagation in ductile elastic-plastic solids under dynamic loading, develop an incremental variational principle and consider its robust numerical implementation by a multi-field finite element method. The performance of the proposed phase field formulation of fracture is demonstrated by means of the numerical simulation of the classical Kalthoff-Winkler experiment that shows the dynamic failure mode transition. (© 2013 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Configurational-force-based structural updates and adaptive remeshing strategies

The application of configurational forces in h -adaptive strategies for fracture mechanics and inelasticity is investigated. Starting from a global Clausius-Planck inequality, dual equilibrium conditions are derived by means of a Coleman-type exploitation method. The remaining reduced dissipation inequality is used for the derivation of evolution equations for the internal variables. In fracture mechanics, crack loading conditions as well as a normality rule for the crack propagation are obtained. In the discrete setting, the crack propagation is governed by a configurational-force-driven update of the geometry model. The material balance equation is used to set up a h -adaptive refinement indicator. A relative global criterion is defined used for the decision on mesh refinement. In addition, a criterion on the element level is evaluated controlling the local refinement procedure. The capability of the proposed procedures is demonstrated by means of numerical examples. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Dynamic crack propagation in a 2D elastic body. The out-of plane case

We discuss the propagation of a running crack under shear waves in a rigorous mathematical way for a simplified model. This model is described by two coupled equations in the actual configuration: a two-dimensional scalar wave equation in a cracked bounded domain and an ordinary differential equation derived from an energy balance law. The unknowns are the displacement fields u = u (y, t) and the one-dimensional crack tip trajectory h = h (t). We handle both equations separately, assuming at first that the crack position is known. Existence and uniqueness of strong solutions of the wave equation are studied and the crack-tip singularities are derived under the assumption that the crack is straight and moves tangentially. Using an energy balance law and the crack tip behaviour of the displacement fields we finally arrive at an ordinary differential equation for h (t), called equation of motion for the crack tip. We demonstrate the crack-tip motion with corresponding nonuniformly crack speed by numerical simulations. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Propagation of Exponential Phase Space Singularities for Schrödinger Equations with Quadratic Hamiltonians

We study propagation of phase space singularities for the initial value Cauchy problem for a class of Schrödinger equations. The Hamiltonian is the Weyl quantization of a quadratic form whose real part is non-negative. The equations are studied in the framework of projective Gelfand–Shilov spaces and their distribution duals. The corresponding notion of singularities is called the Gelfand–Shilov wave front set and means the lack of exponential decay in open cones in phase space. Our main result shows that the propagation is determined by the singular space of the quadratic form, just as in the framework of the Schwartz space, where the notion of singularity is the Gabor wave front set.     

Wave front set at infinity for tempered ultradistributions and hyperbolic equations

Abstract We study the propagation of singularities and the microlocal behaviour at infinity for the solution of the Cauchy problem associated to an SG-hyperbolic operator with one characteristic of constant multiplicity. We perform our analysis in the framework of tempered ultradistributions, cf. Introduction, using an appropriate notion of wave front set. Keywords: Wave front set at infinity, Tempered ultradistributions, Hyperbolic equations     

Probabilistic modeling and simulation of multiple surface crack propagation and coalescence

In the low cycle fatigue (LCF) regime, fatigue failure of metallic materials with high strength and less impurities generally dominates by multiple surface crack propagation and coalescence, in which its final failure shows a stochastic nature on crack initiation, propagation and coalescence under cyclic loadings. According to this, the competing failure modes of multiple surface cracks and interior cracks are studied through coupling numerical simulations with fracture mechanics methods. In particular, a probabilistic procedure for modeling multiple surface crack propagation and coalescence is established by incorporating Monte Carlo simulation with experimental evidences, including surface crack density and crack length distributions measured from LCF replica tests of 30NiCrMoV12 steel. In addition, it calculates the probability of coalescence of neighboring cracks with allowance for their interactions and local plastic deformation at the crack tips. Finally, it estimates the remaining usage lives of specimens from initial state to critical cracks by propagation and coalescence of dispersed cracks.     

Bifurcations of a plane crack front growing quasistatically in an elastic space

Using variational-asymptotic models of force and energy criteria, situations are found in which bifurcations of the form of the front accompanying the quasistatic propagation of a plane crack in an elastic isotropic space are possible. Two types of bifurcations are revealed for a circular crack in the case of axisymmetric loading: fluctuation of the centre of the crack while preserving its circular form and distortion of the front due to the formation of two or a larger number of “lobes”.     

Simulation of brittle crack growth in functionally graded materials

We consider a thermodynamic consistent framework for crack propagation by applying a dissipation inequality to a time dependent migrating control volume. The direction of crack growth is obtained in terms of material forces as a result of the principle of maximum dissipation. In the numerical implementation a staggered algorithm – deformation update for fixed geometry followed by geometry update for fixed deformation – is employed within each time increment. The corresponding mesh is generated by combining Delaunay triangulation with local mesh refinement. A numerical example with inhomogeneous material properties illustrates the capability of the resulting algorithm. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A Phase Field Model for Ductile to Brittle Failure Mode Transition

The computational modeling of failure mechanisms in solids due to fracture based on sharp crack discontinuities suffers in dynamic problems with complex crack topologies. This can be overcome by a diffusive crack modeling based on the introduction of a crack phase field. We outline a conceptual framework for phase field models of crack propagation in brittle elastic and ductile elastic-plastic solids under dynamic loading and investigate the ductile to brittle failure mode transition observed in the experiment performed by Kalthoff and Winkeler [3]. We develop incremental variational principles and consider their numerical implementations by multi-field finite element methods. To this end, we define energy storage and dissipation functions for the plastic flow including the fracture phase field. The introduction of local history fields that drive the evolution of the crack phase field inspires the construction of robust operator split schemes. (© 2012 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Simulation of short crack propagation using a hybrid boundary element technique

Service life of cyclically loaded components is often determined by the propagation of short fatigue cracks, which is highly influenced by microstructural features such as grain boundaries. A two-dimensional model to simulate the growth of such stage I-cracks is presented. The crack is discretised by dislocation discontinuity boundary elements and the direct boundary element method is used to mesh the grain boundaries. A superposition procedure couples these different boundary element methods to employ them in one model. Varying elastic properties of the grains are considered and their influence on short crack propagation is studied. A change in crack tip slide displacement determining short crack propagation is observed. (© 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A BE based finite element for crack propagation processes

A boundary element based finite macro element for the simulation of 3D crack propagation in the framework of linear elastic fracture mechanics is presented. While the major part of the numerical model is discretized with finite elements, a small domain containing the crack is meshed with boundary elements. By means of the Symmetric Galerkin BEM a stiffness formulation for the cracked BE domain is obtained which enables a direct FEM/BEM coupling. All necessary operations for the crack propagation are carried out within this boundary element based finite macro element and exploit the potential of the boundary integral formulation. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

PROCRACK-A Software Tool for Finite Element Simulation of Three-Dimensional Fatigue Crack Growth

The lifetime of structural components is limited by fatigue cracks. After initiation from an existing defect the crack grows subcritically until it reaches a critical size. At this point it becomes unstable and the structural component fails. PROCRACK is a powerful tool that enables the commercial finite element software Abaqus to calculate the crack propagation in pre-cracked components. The complete capability of Abaqus can be used to simulate nearly arbitrary geometries. Abaqus/CAE is used for the three-dimensional modeling of the initial crack at a geometrical level by means of points, lines and triangles. The numerical analysis is performed by Abaqus/Standard. PROCRACK automatically generates a tube-shaped submodel around the crack front to calculate the stress intensity factors with high accuracy. The Paris law or the NASGRO equation can be used to calculate the incremental crack growth. The shape of the crack and the finite element mesh are updated in every crack growth step. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

On Configurational-Force-Driven Crack Propagation and Adaptive Mesh Refinement in Finite Inelasticity

We introduce a consistent variational framework for inelasticity at finite strains, yielding dual balances in physical and material space as the Euler equations. The formulation is employed for the simultaneous usage of configurational forces as both driving forces for crack propagation as well as h-adaptive mesh refinement. The theoretical basis builds upon a global balance of internal and external power, where the mechanical response is exclusively governed by two scalar functions, the free energy function and a dissipation potential. The resulting variational structure is exploited in the context of fracture mechanics and yields evolution equations for internal variables. In the discrete setting, we present a geometry model fully separated from the finite element mesh structure that represents structural changes of the material configuration due to crack propagation. Advanced meshing algorithms provide an optimal discretization at the crack tip. Local and global criteria are obtained via error estimators based on configurational forces being interpreted as indicators of an energetic misfit due to an insufficient discretization. The numerical handling is decomposed into a staggered algorithm scheme for the dual set of equilibrium equations in material and physical space and efficient mesh generation tools. Exemplary numerical examples are considered to illustrate the method and to underline the effects of inelastic material behaviour in the presented context. (© 2013 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)