A discrete formulation for elastic solids with damaging interfaces Original Research Article

An elastic solid with embedded interfaces, loci of possible displacement discontinuities, is considered here. Decohesion and quasi-brittle fracture processes are simulated by making use of softening interface laws which relate tractions to displacements jumps. A discrete formulation in terms of interface variables only, is obtained. The space discretization is carried out by means of a mixed finite element approach in which all interface variables are modelled. Study of uniqueness of the rate problem formulated in terms of interface variables and of stability of the equilibrium states is presented. Some examples are shown in order to clarify the formulation.