A new approach for the analysis of dynamic crack propagation is proposed. Characteristic features of fracture mechanics and damage mechanics are combined in a finite-element method. Elements with quarter-point nodes are used at the crack tip to describe the stress singularity. The crack itself is replaced by a zone of softening material, where continuum damage mechanics is applied. Contrary to many finite-element applications of damage mechanics, this hybrid approach does not suffer from mesh sensitivity or damage localisation. The calculated crack patterns are independent of the element size and the element orientation. This method has been applied to both 2D and 3D problems of mixed-mode fracture. Good agreement with experiments and results from the literature has been obtained.
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