Modelling crack growth by level sets in the extended finite element method

An algorithm which couples the level set method (LSM)with the extended fini te element method (X-FEM) to model crack growth is described. The level set method is used to represent the crack location, including the location of crack tips. The extended finite element method is used to compute the stres s and displacement fields necessary for determining the rate of crack growt h. This combined method requires no remeshing as the crack progresses, maki ng the algorithm very efficient. The combination of these methods has a tre mendous potential for a wide range of applications. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the combined methods. Copyright (C ) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.