On the numerical modelling of quasi-static crack growth in linear elastic fracture mechanics

In this paper we present a strategy for the simulation of a propagating crack under mixed mode linear elastic conditions using a discontinuous finite element method. A key issue is to accurately compute the incremental change in the kink angle of the propagating crack during subsequent steps. We have chosen to work with a domain formulation of the material force vector as a criteria for the propagation direction. We describe the theoretical background together with the numerical implementation in detail and show some results for different loading conditions