FRAGMENTATION ALGORITHM FOR FINITE-ELEMENT FAILURE SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS

An algorithm which combines the techniques of numerical analysis and n umerical simulation in the study of transient dynamic structural respo nse is proposed. This is achieved by incorporating the ability to crea te new surfaces and separate fragments according to a defined failure criterion into a finite element procedure which uses explicit time int egration. Thus, the algorithm not only provides accurate prediction of the structural failure and fragmentation pattern, but also evaluates accurate stress, velocity, acceleration and displacement values of eac h fragmented component. To develop a viable fragmental algorithm, othe r than the expected modification in storage and node bookkeeping, we f ound it necessary to introduce an efficient algorithm to handle extrem ely large displacements resulting from the fracture. In that regard, a n updated corotational approach is introduced.