Numerical Simulations of Dynamic Fracture Growth Based on a Cohesive Zone Model with Microcracks

Abstract

A cohesive finite element model is employed to study the dynamic crack growth mechanisms in different materials. Dynamic crack propagation is analyzed numerically for a 2D square specimen with prescribed initial microcracks subjected to tensile loading conditions. In the cohesive zone model, the initial microcracks or defects are set up as traction-free interfacial surfaces in the specimen plane. The phenomena of microcrack initiation, nucleation, growth, coalescence, and propagation are captured from the simulation. The numerical simulation results have shown that the initially prescribed mircocrack or defect direction will result in a different macrocrack propagation path and crack branching path.