Crack propagation modelling using an advanced remeshing technique Original Research Article

The modelling of a crack propagation through a finite element mesh is of prime importance in fracture mechanics. We propose here a solution based on an advanced remeshing technique. A fully automatic remesher enables us to deal with multiple boundaries and multiple materials. The propagation of the crack is achieved with both remeshing and nodal relaxation. A maximal normal stress criterion is used to compute the crack direction. Several tools are developed and presented to obtain accurate results at the crack tip: evolving mesh refinement, crack tip finite elements, ring of elements surrounding the crack. Finally, several applications are presented to show the robustness of this technique.