Application of numerical methods to brittle fracture modeling

The solution of the brittle fracture problem with the help of numerical procedures of the finite element method is considered. The task is relevant for solving the problem of structural failure forms and for the problem of external impacts of ice formations on marine engineering structures. Improving the efficiency of solving the problem of destruction is provided by the use of calculation procedures adapted to account for the processes occurring in the material and structure during the destruction process. In this paper, three procedures for the propagation of brittle cracks in the framework of FEM are investigated: adaptive rearrangement of the finite element grid; special finite elements, with the effect of crack opening and the introduction of a special coupling zone along the boundaries of the finite elements, where it is possible to advance the crack. The effectiveness of the procedures was tested by the example of brittle fracture of a three-dimensional ice sample in the form of a parallelepiped to a three-point bend. Sensitivity analysis was carried out when varying the destruction parameter characteristic of each procedure. The calculation results are compared with experimental data. A comparative analysis of the considered procedures is carried out on the accuracy of the results obtained, on the effectiveness of obtaining a solution and on the complexity of implementation.