An improved crack tracking algorithm with self-correction ability of the crack path and its application in a continuum damage model

In this paper, a new procedure for predicting the crack propagation and fracture behavior in quasi-brittle materials is presented based on continuum damage mechanics. Several crack tracking algorithms are widely used for failure analysis, among which the local tracking algorithm is very simple and easy to implement with low computational cost. However, in the prediction of crack growth with the traditional local tracking algorithm, it can be often seen that the sharp changes in the crack path such as U-turns can occur. An improved local tracking algorithm with self-correction ability of the crack path is proposed to overcome these difficulties of the traditional crack tracking algorithms. A continuum damage model, in addition to the present crack tracking algorithm, can greatly enhance the performance of failure prediction in quasi-brittle materials. The present approach has the advantages that it can well predict the crack propagation path and can avoid mesh size and mesh bias dependence without the embedment of discontinuities or nodal enrichment. The present model is incorporated into ANSYS by the ANSYS Parameter Design Language to simulate the initiation and propagation of the discrete crack in engineering applications. The numerical results by this model are compared with the ones by the extended finite element method and experiments, and good agreements are achieved.