The enriched finite element method-virtual crack closure technique for cracked structures

In the present work, the enriched finite element method (EFEM) and virtual crack closure technology (VCCT) are applied to model the fracture mechanics problems of structures. EFEM-VCCT is used for improving the accuracy and efficiency of the standard FEM in solving the fracture parameters of cracked structures. The models with different structures, crack lengths and meshes are calculated and compared with the finite element method-VCCT (FEM-VCCT). By introducing the interpolation cover function, the computational efficiency and accuracy of EFEM-VCCT are improved. This improvement is confirmed by a series of numerical examples. The problems of crack initiation and crack growth under different materials and loading conditions are analyzed. The high accuracy of EFEM-VCCT under a relatively coarse mesh is demonstrated through a series of numerical examples. In the numerical analysis of fracture mechanics, EFEM-VCCT can be considered a very good alternative to FEM-VCCT due to its high efficiency and accuracy.