Crack propagation modelling using an advanced remeshing technique

The modelling of a crack propagation through a finite element mesh is of pr ime importance in fracture mechanics. We propose here a solution based on a n advanced remeshing technique. A fully automatic remesher enables us to de al with multiple boundaries and multiple materials. The propagation of the crack is achieved with both remeshing and nodal relaxation. A maximal norma l stress criterion is used to compute the crack direction. Several tools ar e developed and presented to obtain accurate results at the crack tip: evol ving mesh refinement, crack tip finite elements, ring of elements surroundi ng the crack. Finally, several applications are presented to show the robus tness of this technique. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved .