Some recent issues in computational failure mechanics

An overview is given of some recent developments in computational modelling of localization and failure phenomena in solids. Cohesive-zone models are considered as well as enrichment of continua using gradients in space and i n time. The latter models are applied to static instabilities as well as to propagative instabilities. The determination of the additional parameters that emerge in gradient continua is treated and attention is paid to the sp atial resolution that is necessary to properly capture bands of localized d eformation. Finally, the impact is considered which imperfection patterns m ay have on the failure mode. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.