Computational modelling of steady crack extension in poroelastic media

The steady state constant velocity crack extension in poroelastic media is examined for plane strain problems[ The _nite element formulation of the governing equations for steady crack extension in poroelastic media is developed using a Galerkin technique[ The resulting system of non!symmetric coupled matrix equations depends on the propagation velocity at the crack tip[ The computational scheme accounts for the stress singularity in the e}ective stress _eld at the crack tip[ The numerical procedure is veri_ed by comparison with analytical solutions for the pore pressure and displacement _elds at the crack tip[ The computational procedure is utilized to examine the plane strain problem related to the steady growth of a crack in a poroelastic medium due to its wedging by a rigid smooth indentor[ It is shown that the computational methodology can also be applied to examine the penetration of an axisymmetric rigid smooth shell through a saturated geomaterial[ 0887 Elsevier Science Ltd[ All rights reserved