Numerical Simulation of Crack Propagation and Coalescence in Quasi-Brittle Materials under Compression Using the Field-Enriched Finite-Element Method

Abstract

In this paper, the field-enriched finite-element method is developed to simulate crack evolution of quasibrittle materials under compression by considering two kinds of fracture criteria: the maximum circumferential stress criterion; and the Mohr–Coulomb criterion. The benchmark of the specimens containing a single flaw is illustrated to verify that the maximum circumferential stress criterion and the Mohr–Coulomb criterion can capture the tensile crack and secondary crack. Moreover, the numerical examples of specimens containing two flaws are illustrated to prove that the field-enriched finite-element method can effectively simulate the crack coalescence in specimens under compression. Finally, specimens containing multiple flaws are illustrated to investigate the crack evolution mechanism under compression as well as the crack coalescence types.