Dynamic crack propagation analysis of orthotropic media by the extended finite element method

Dynamic crack propagation of composites is investigated in this paper based on the recent advances and development of orthotropic enrichment functions within the framework of partition of unity and the extended finite element method (XFEM). The method allows for analysis of the whole crack propagation pattern on an unaltered finite element mesh, defined independent of the existence of any predefined crack or its propagation path. A relatively simple, though efficient formulation is implemented, which consists of using a dynamic crack initiation toughness, a crack orientation along the maximum circumferential stress, and a simple equation to presume the crack speed. Dynamic stress intensity factors (DSIFs) are evaluated by means of the domain separation integral method. The governing elastodynamics equation is first transformed into a standard weak formulation and is then discretized into an XFEM system of time dependent equations, to be solved by the unconditionally stable Newmark time integration scheme. A number of benchmark and test problems are simulated and the results are compared with available reference results.