Abstract
This paper proposes a new discrete analysis method for fracture simulation using structural elements based on the discrete element concept. The suggested structural elements are suitable for fracture simulations because the element stiffness is evaluated by means of relative displacements at the interface between discrete elements (particles). We first formulate the structural elements in consideration of the position and the angle of interface between discrete elements and discuss the integration of element stiffness. The fundamental properties for elastic problem are examined in chapter 3. The eigen-values and eigen-vectors of stiffness matrix are analyzed to investigate the relationship between basic deformation mode and integration order. Also the accuracy of the structural element for beam bending problem is assessed. Finally, after explaining the modeling of fracture in this paper, two representative numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability to fracture simulations for structures involving multiple cohesive cracks.
