A COMPUTATIONAL METHOD FOR QUASI-STATIC FRACTURE

A direct method for solving quasi-static, mixed-mode fracture problems is presented. The element-free Galerkin method is used in order to al low for crack growth without remeshing. An expression for the normaliz ed, critical traction is derived in terms of the fracture resistance ( R-curve) and a crack-dependent function. Sample problems demonstrate t he capability of this method to accurately compute the post-peak equil ibrium paths for structures with growing cracks.