Crack-Tracking In The Regularized XFEM: A Viable Alternative To Nonlocal And Cohesive Zone Models

Abstract

We have devised a crack-tracking methodology for general crack paths in elasto-damaging materials based on the regularized extended finite element method. The resulting procedure is in-between nonlocal models, where the discontinuity surface is replaced by a finite width zone, and cohesive zone models, where the discontinuous regime is governed by a traction-separation law.

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