FINITE ELEMENT PHASE-FIELD MODELLING OF BRITTLE FRACTURE

A finite element phase-field model for the analysis of brittle fracture problems is formulated and numerically implemented. The model relies on recently developed strategies for incorporating an additional phase-field to embody fracture. The spatial discretization is formulated by means of the classical Galerkin method, whereas an implicit Euler method with adaptive time-stepping is adopted for the temporal discretization. To demonstrate the capabilities of the model, a two-dimensional square plate under tensile loading is modelled. The obtained results show that, as expected, the stress singularities at the corners of the plate are responsible for the crack initiation and propagation.