Fully Automatic Crack Propagation Modeling in the Interaction with Void and Inclusion without Remeshing

Extended finite element method (X-FEM) has been recently emerged as an approach to implicitly create a discontinuity based on discontinuous partition of unity enrichment (PUM) of the standard finite element approximation spaces. Despite numerous progresses in mesh generating updating of finite element mesh during crack propagation remain extremely heavy and difficult. This problem becomes more complicate, when there are many discontinuities in the finite element domain. However, the extended finite element method (X-FEM) in the combination with level set method (LSM) could overcome this cumbersome issue. In this contribution, predefined cracks and internal boundaries are created using level set functions and also the effects of soft/hard inclusions (interfaces) and voids are considered on crack propagation schemes. In fact, the interaction of crack and heterogeneities are considered. The level set functions are utilized to represent the locations and the evolutions of internal interfaces. In addition, the stress intensity factors for mixed mode crack problems are numerically calculated by using the interaction integral method. Different crack growth paths are simulated automatically for different oriented edge and center cracks and the interactions of internal boundaries on crack propagations are shown. All numerical examples are demonstrated the flexibility and capabilities of X-FEM in the applied fracture mechanics.