2039 A new approach to large scale fracture mechanics analysis : use of tetrahedral finite elements
Details
In this paper, the development of a three-dimensional VCCM (Virtual Crack Closure-Integral Method) to compute the energy release rate and the stress intensity factor, for tetrahedral finite element is presented. Discussions start with the case of conventional hexahedral finite elements. Then, the VCCM for tetrahedral elements is derived. We considered energy to separate triangular shaped area which is a face of a tetrahedral finite element, as a crack extends by one element length. Then, it is shown that the energy can be derived from nodal crack opening displacements and forces. Thus, the crack parameters are computed. Present VCCM for tetrahedral finite elements will be an important tool to perform large scale fracture mechanics analyses.
