COMPUTATIONAL FRACTURE-MECHANICS - RESEARCH AND APPLICATION

This paper focuses on the impact of computational methodology on furth ering the understanding of fundamental fracture phenomena. The current numerical approaches to the solution of fracture mechanics problems, e.g. finite element (FE) methods, finite difference methods and bounda ry element methods, are reviewed. The application of FE methods to the problems of linear elastic fracture problems is discussed. Particular emphases are placed on the stress intensity factors, energy release r ate in mixed mode fracture and dynamic crack propagation. Numerical so lutions of ductile fracture problems are surveyed. A special focus is placed on stable crack growth problems. The need for further research in this area is emphasized. The importance of large strain phenomena a nd accurate modeling of non-linearities is highlighted. An expanded ve rsion of fracture mechanics methodology is given by Liebowitz [Advance s in Fracture Research 3. Pergamon Press, Oxford (1989)]; additional t reatment is given in this paper to numerical results incorporating err or estimates and algorithms for mesh design into the FE code. The adap tive method involves various stages which includes FE analysis, error estimation/indication, mesh refinement and fracture/failure analysis i teratively. Reference is made to integrate expert knowledge and a hier archial, rule-based, decision process to fracture mechanics for the pu rpose of designing practical fracture-proof engineering products. Some further areas of research in adaptive finite element analysis are dis cussed.