Numerical Analysis of Discrete Nonlinear Fracture Mechanics
Because cementitious materials tend to fail by fracture along discrete interfaces, it makes sense to analyze this behavior with discrete nonlinear fracture mechanics. Using the finite element method, nonlinear interface elements provide a vehicle for modeling the nucleation and propagation of such cracks. A simple approach is to model the cracks with a nonlinear interface model, and to model the undamaged material as linear elastic. An automatic two-dimensional mixed-mode finite element nonlinear interfacial fracture propagation algorithm is presented. Constitutive interface models, propagation criteria, remeshing schemes, and nonlinear solution approaches are presented and discussed.