An adaptive finite element procedure for crack propagation analysis

This paper presents the adaptive mesh finite element estimation method for analyzing 2D linear elastic fracture problems. The mesh is generated by the advancing front method and the norm stress error is taken as a posteriori error estimator for the h-type adaptive refinement. The stress intensity factors are estimated by a displacement extrapolation technique. The near crack tip displacements used are obtained from specific nodes of natural six-noded quarter-point elements which are generated around the crack tip defined by the user. The crack growth and its direction are determined by the calculated stress intensity factors. The maximum circumference theory is used for the latter. In evaluating the accuracy of the estimated stress intensity factors, four cases are tested consisting of compact tension specimen, three-point bending specimen, central cracked plate and double edge notched plate. These were carried out and compared to the results from other studies. The crack trajectories of these specimen tests are also illustrated.