A computational framework of three dimensional configurational-force-driven crack propagation

A variational formulation of quasi-static brittle fracture is considered and a new finite-element-based computational framework is developed for propagation of cracks in three-dimensional bodies. We outline a consistent thermodynamical framework for crack propagation in elastic solids and show that the crack propagation direction associated with the classical Griffith criterion is identified by the material configurational force which maximizes the local dissipation at the crack front. The evolving crack discontinuity is realized by the doubling of critical nodes and triangular interface facets of the tetrahedral mesh. The crucial step for the success of the procedure is its embedding into an r-adaptive crack-facet reorientation procedure based on configurational-force-based indicators in conjunction with crack front constraints. We further propose a staggered algorithm which minimizes the stored energy at frozen crack state followed by the successive crack releases at frozen deformation. This constitutes a sequence of positive definite subproblems with successively decreasing overall stiffness, providing a very robust algorithmic setting in the postcritical range. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

On a variational,free-discontinuity formulation of brittle fracture: mean-field relaxation and numerical solution

In this paper we address the resolution of two important issues arising in the context of the relaxed variational formulation of the incremental free–boundary value problem of brittle fracture. First issue, is how by recasting the formulation into a discrete, minimum–maximum problem one can avoid the undesirable scale effects expressed in terms of the characteristic size and domain–shape dependence of the calculated minimum; second, how by a remeshing procedure in combination with a domain–shape update for tracking the propagating 0–th level set one can reconstruct the crack surface. We finally illustrate our approach by a geometrically linear 2–dimensional example for crack propagation in an initially isotropic brittle solid. (© 2008 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)     

On an Energetic Interpretation of a Phase Field Model for Fracture

In the pioneering work by Griffith, it is assumed that a crack propagates, if this is energetically favorable. However, this original formulation requires a pre-existing initial crack. In order to bypass this deficiency of classical Griffith theory, Francfort and Marigo advocate a global variational criterion, where the total energy is minimized with respect to any admissible displacement field and crack set. Bourdin's regularized approximation of this variational formulation makes use of a continuous scalar field to indicate cracks. Based on this regularization a phase field fracture model is formulated. The crack field is assumed to follow a Ginzburg-Landau type evolution equation, and cracking is addressed as a phase transition problem. The coupled problem of mechanical balance equations and the evolution equation is solved using the finite element method combined with an implicit time integration scheme. The numerical solution naturally yields the crack evolution including crack propagation, kinking, branching and initiation without any additional criteria. In this work we study the driving mechanisms behind the crack evolution in the phase field fracture model and compare to the purely energetic considerations of the underlying variational formulation. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

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)     

Rate-dependent incremental variational formulation of ferroelectricity

The paper presents continuous and discrete variational formulations for the treatment of the non-linear response of piezoceramics under electrical loading. The point of departure is a general internal variable formulation that determines the hysteretic response of the material as a generalized standard medium in terms of an energy storage and a rate–dependent dissipation function. Consistent with this type of standard dissipative continua, we develop an incremental variational formulation of the coupled electromechanical boundary value problem. We specify the variational formulation for a setting based on a smooth rate–dependent dissipation function which governs the hysteretic response. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

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)     

A Phase Field Model for Three-Dimensional Dynamic Fracture and its Efficient Numerical Implementation

The numerical modeling of dynamic failure mechanisms in solids due to fracture based on sharp crack discontinuities suffers in situations with complex crack topologies and demands the formulation of additional branching criteria. This drawback can be overcome by a diffusive crack modeling, which is based on the introduction of a crack phase field. We focus on the extension of a recently developed phase field model for fracture from the quasi-static setting towards the dynamic setting. It is obtained by taking into account inertial terms and associated dynamic integrators. The introduction of a history field, containing a maximum fracture-driving energy, provides a very transparent representation of the balance equation that governs the diffusive crack topology. In particular, it allows for the construction of an extremely robust operator split technique. In a subsequent step, the proposed model is extended to three dimensional problems. The dynamic treatment opens the door to the analysis of complex fracture phenomena like multiple crack branching and crack arrest. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Deformation Driven Homogenization of Fracturing Solids

The paper discusses numerical formulations of the homogenization for solids with discrete crack development. We focus on multi–phase microstructures of heterogeneous materials, where fracture occurs in the form of debonding mechanisms as well as matrix cracking. The definition of overall properties critically depends on the developing discontinuities. To this end, we extend continuous formulations [1] to microstructures with discontinuities [2]. The basic underlying structure is a canonical variational formulation in the fully nonlinear range based on incremental energy minimization. We develop algorithms for numerical homogenization of fracturing solids in a deformation–driven context with non–trivial formulations of boundary conditions for (i) linear deformation and (ii) uniform tractions. The overall response of composite materials with fracturing microstructures are investigated. As a key result, we show the significance of the proposed non–trivial formulation of a traction–type boundary condition in the deformation–driven context. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Phase field simulation of thermomechanical fracture

In Francfort and Marigo's variational free-discontinuity formulation of brittle fracture [1] cracking is regarded as an energy minimization process, where the total energy is minimized with respect to any admissible crack set and displacement field. No additional criterion is needed to determine crack paths, branching of cracks and crack initiations. However, a direct discretization of the model is faced with significant technical problems, as it involves minimizations in a set of possibly discontinuous functions. A regularized version of the model has been introduced by Bourdin [2] and based on this, we use the concept of a continuum phase field model to simulate cracking processes. Cracks are indicated by the order parameter of the phase field model and cracking can be regarded as a phase transition problem. Additionally, introducing the heat equation into the model, it is capable to also take account of crack propagation due to thermal stresses. In the numerical implementation, crack parameter as well as temperature are treated as additional degrees of freedom and the coupled field equations are solved using the finite element method together with an implicit time integration scheme. (© 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A Phase-Field Model of Ductile Fracture at Finite Strains

This work outlines a variational-based framework for the phase field modeling of ductile fracture in elastic-plastic solids at large strains. The phase field approach regularizes sharp crack discontinuities within a pure continuum setting by a specific gradient damage model with geometric features rooted in fracture mechanics. Based on the recent works [1, 2], the phase field model of ductile fracture is linked to a formulation of gradient plasticity at finite strains in order to ensure the crack to evolve inside the plastic zones. The thermodynamic formulation is based on the definition of a constitutive work density function including the stored elastic energy and the dissipated work due to plasticity and fracture. The proposed canonical theory is shown to be governed by a rate-type minimization principle, which determines the coupled multi-field evolution problem. Another aspect is the regularization towards a micromorphic gradient plasticity-damage setting which enhances the robustness of the finite element formulation. (© 2016 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)     

Automatic Implementation of Elasto-plastic Incremental Formulations at Finite Strains using Hyper-Dual Numbers

Numerical simulation of standard dissipative materials undergoing finite strains remains an important and challenging topic in computational mechanics. The incremental variational formulation (IVF), firstly proposed by Ortiz et al. [1], provides a general variational framework which is suitable for the implementation of a broad range of constitutive laws for standard dissipative materials. The IVF recasts the inelasticity theory as an equivalent optimization problem where the incremental stress potential is minimized with respect to the internal variables. However, their implementation often requires more effort than classical formulations due to high-order tensor derivatives. In this contribution, a novel implementation of IVFs is presented to arrive at a fully automatic and robust scheme with computer accuracy using hyper-dual numbers (HDNs). The HDNs, which are originally developed by Fike [2], derive exact and automatic derivative calculations without any cumbersome choice of perturbation values. Its uncomplicated implementation for associative finite strain elasto-plasticity and its performance is illustrated by a representative numerical example. (© 2015 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)     

Variational Phase Field Modeling of Fracture Caused by Fluid Transport in Poroelastic Solids

The numerical modeling of failure mechanisms due to fracture based on sharp crack discontinuities is extremely demanding and suffers in situations with complex crack topologies. This drawback can be overcome by recently developed diffusive crack modeling concepts, which are based on the introduction of a crack phase field. Such an approach is conceptually in line with gradient-extended continuum damage models which include internal length scales. In this paper, we extend our recently outlined mechanical framework [1–3] towards the phase field modeling of fracture in the coupled problem of fluid transport in deforming porous media. Here, extremely complex crack patterns may occur due to drying or hydraulic induced fracture, the so called fracking. We develop new variational potentials for Biot-type fluid transport in porous media at finite deformations coupled with phase field fracture. It is shown, that this complex coupled multi-field problem is related to an intrinsic mixed variational principle for the evolution problem. This principle determines the rates of deformation, fracture phase field and fluid content along with the fluid potential. We develop a robust computational implementation of the coupled problem based on the potentials mentioned above and demonstrate its performance by the numerical simulation of complex fracture patterns. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Phase-Field Modeling of Hydraulic Fracture

Hydraulically driven fracture has gained more and more research activity in the last few years, especially due to the growing interest of the petroleum industry. Key challenge for a powerful simulation of this scenario is an effective modeling and numerical implementation of the behavior of the solid skeleton and the fluid phase, the mechanical coupling between the two phases as well as the incorporation of the fracture process. Existing models for hydraulic fracturing can be found for example in [1], where the crack path is predetermined, or in [2] who use a phase field fracture model in an elastic framework, however without incorporating the fluid flow. In this work we propose a new compact model structure for the Biot-type fluid transport in porous media at finite strains based on only two constitutive functions, that is the free energy function ψ and a dissipation potential ϕ that includes the incorporation of an additional Poiseuille-type fluid flow in cracks. This formulation is coupled to a phase field approach for fracture and is fully variational in nature, as shown in [3]. In contrast to formulations with a sharp-crack discontinuity, the proposed regularized approach has the main advantage of a straight-forward modeling of complex crack patterns including branching. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Simulation of Hertzian cone cracks using a phase field description for fracture

The present contribution focuses on fracture caused by indentation loading on the surface of a brittle solid. Its theoretical prediction is a challenging task due to the fact that crack nucleation is not geometrically induced, but is caused by the stress concentration in the contact near-field. The application of the phase field model requires constitutive assumptions to ensure a tension-compression asymmetric material response and prevent damage in compressed regions. This is achieved at the cost of giving up the variational concept of brittle fracture. We simulate the indentation of a cylindrical flat-ended punch on brittle materials like silicate glass. In order to reduce the numerical effort, we exploit axisymmetric conditions for the finite element formulation. After crack initiation stable propagation of a cone crack can be observed in good agreement with experiments. (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Relaxed Incremental Variational Formulation for Damage in Fiber-Reinforced Materials

An incremental variational formulation for damage at finite strains is proposed based on the classical continuum damage mechanics. Since loss of convexity is obtained at some critical deformations a relaxed incremental stress potential is constructed which convexifies the original non-convex problem. The resulting model can be interpreted as the homogenization of a micro-heterogeneous material bifurcated into a strongly and weakly damaged phase at the microscale. A one-dimensional relaxed formulation is derived and based thereon, a model for fiber-reinforced materials is given. Finally, some numerical examples illustrate the performance of the model. (© 2012 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)