A Hybrid Finite Element-Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method for Multiple Cohesive Crack Propagation

摘要

A novel hybrid method that combines both scaled boundary finite element- and finite element- methods to model multiple discrete crack propagation in quasi-brittle materials is presented. It exploits the flexibility of the finite element method in remeshing multiple cracks by addressing crack propagation through a simple local remeshing procedure that is purely based on finite elements. Accurate extraction of stress intensity factors from the semi-analytical solutions is made possible by replacing the crack tip elements in the finite element mesh with scaled boundary finite element rosettes after remeshing. Nonlinear cohesive interface elements are automatically inserted along the crack paths to model the cohesive cracks. The method is used to model multiple cohesive crack propagation in a double-edge notched concrete beam. The numerical results compare well with experimental and numerical benchmarks available in literature.