A modified intrinsic enriched element free Galerkin method for multiple cracks simulation

In this work, the element free Galerkin method (EFGM) has been used to obtain the solution of multiple edge crack problems. The regular intrinsic enrichment approach used in EFGM has been modified to analyze and study the multiple crack problems. The modified approach provides a versatile technique to model multiple static as well as moving crack problems without any requirement of re-meshing. In this approach, the regular enrichment criterion has been modified to solve multiple interacting crack problems using linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). Few test cases of multiple edge cracks lying on the same as well as on the opposite faces are solved under plane stress conditions. The results obtained by modified intrinsic enrichment technique are compared with those obtained by the diffraction criterion, analytical and FEM solutions. The values of mode-I and mode-II stress intensity factors have been evaluated by the interaction integral approach.