modelling crack propagation using a non-matching SBFEM-FEM coupled method.pdf

APCOM ISCM 11-14th December, 2013, Singapore Modelling crack propagation using a non-matching SBFEM-FEM coupled method X.F Wang1, *Z.J Yang1,2 and D.S Yin3 1School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, the University of Manchester, Manchester, L13 9PL, UK 2College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China 3College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China *Corresponding author: zhjyang@zju.edu.cn Abstract A method coupling the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) and the finite element method (FEM) is developed for linear elastic fracture modelling. A very simple but effective remeshing procedure based on the finite element mesh only is used to accommodate crack propagation. The crack-tip region is modelled by one SBFE subdomain whose semi-analytical displacement solutions are used to extract accurate stress intensity factors. The SBFE subdomain boundary is coupled with the surrounding FE mesh boundary through virtual interfaces so that the nodal discretisations of the two boundaries can be different. Two plane problems are modelled to validate the new method. Keywords: scaled boundary finite element method, non-matching mesh, stress intensity factors, crack propagation, remeshing procedure, linear elastic fracture mechanics. 1. Introduction The FEM is the most popular numerical method in simulating crack propagation because of the high generality and flexibility of finite elements in modelling structures with complex geometries, various boundaries and loading conditions, and complicated cracking patterns. The scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) (Song and Wolf 1997) is a semi-analytical method that is very efficient in modelling problems with discontinuities and singularities. This study proposes a non- matching SBFEM-FEM coupled method to simulate crack propagation problems based on the linear elastic fracture m