Implementation of the T-failure criterion in finite element methodologies

Explicit time integration in finite element methodologies, allows the deletion of elements from the analysis when certain criteria are met. This is an extremely useful tool for estimating damage due to accidental or extreme loads on structures, provided that an effective and realistic criterion is established for simulating the material failure and subsequent element removal. In this paper, the incorporation of failure criteria to ABAQUS/Explicit is investigated. The T-failure criterion is implemented and tested for convergence and reproduction of actual failure modes.