Three-dimensional finite element modeling of ductile crack initiation and propagation

A crack initiation and propagation algorithm driven by non-local ductile damage is proposed in a three-dimensional finite strain framework. The evolution of plastic strain and stress triaxiality govern a non-local ductile damage field via constitutive equations. When the damage reaches a critical threshold, a discontinuity in the form of a crack surface is inserted into the three-dimensional continuum. The location and direction of the introduced discontinuity directly result from the damage field. Crack growth is also determined by the evolution of damage at the crack tip and the crack surface is adaptively extended in the computed direction. Frequent remeshing is used to computationally track the initiation and propagation of cracks, as well as to simultaneously maintain a good quality of the finite elements undergoing large deformations. This damage driven remeshing strategy towards fracture allows one to simulate arbitrary crack paths in three-dimensional evolving geometries. It has a significant potential for a wide range of industrial applications. Numerical examples are solved to demonstrate the ability of the proposed framework.