The state of the art in computational dynamic fracture mechanics

Abstract

The state of the art in computational mechanics of dynamic fracture is reviewed. The concept of dynamic fracture mechanics is essentially based on asymptotic behaviors of a dynamically propagating crack and of a stationary crack subjected to dynamic loading. First, the asymptotic solutions of near-tip field of an elastodynamically propagating crack under steady-state conditions and under transient conditions are summarized. Next, the features of the dynamic J integral pertaining to nonlinear dynamic fracture mechanics as well as to elastodynamic fracture mechanics are described. Special attention is focused on various computational models of dynamic crack propagation, which are used in the finite difference method, finite-element method and boundary-element method. Various techniques to overcome inherent difficulties in the discretization of fast-moving surface problems associated with crack-tip singularities are thoroughly reviewed and summarized. -Author