A combined continuous-discontinuous approach to fracture is presented to model crack propagation under dynamic loading. A gradient-enhanced damage model is used to evaluate degradation of the material ahead of the crack. This type of model avoids mesh dependency and pathological effects of local damage models. Discrete cracks are reflected by means of extended finite elements (XFEM) and level sets. For the transition between damage and discrete fracture a damage based criterion is utilized. A discrete crack propagates if a critical damage value at the crack front is reached. The propagation direction is also determined through the damage field. Finally a dynamic mode II crack propagation example is simulated to show the capabilities and robustness of the employed approach.
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