Modeling multiple crack problems with eXtended Finite Element Method

The eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) is a newly developed numerical method which is based on the partition of unity method, and has been successfully employed in various problems, such as linear fracture mechanics. In this paper, the X-FEM is efficiently employed to model the complex fracture behavior of multiple crack problems. For this purpose, the element partitioning is employed together with the determinationof crack propagation based on the sign detection technique and enrichment scheme. The fracture parameters such as the SIFs are calculated by interaction integral method. The validity of proposed method is verified by several numerical examples

Keywords:

Multiple cracks , X-FEM , LEFM , Mixed mode fracture