Numerical investigation of the evolution behaviors of multiple cracks in rocks subjected to tension using field-enriched finite element method

Abstract

The coalescence behaviors of multi-cracks and competitive crack propagation problem are always the challenging issues in the field of fracture mechanics due to its complexities. In this paper, the field-enriched finite element approach coupling with the predictor-and-corrector (PAC) algorithm is first proposed to numerically investigate the interaction mechanisms among multi-cracks containing shielding and amplification effects. Moreover, the coalescence behaviors of multi-cracks as well as competitive crack propagation problem are studied. In a benchmark example, the plate containing two offset cracks is illustrated to validate the precision and applicability of this proposed method. In addition, two examples involving a square plate containing symmetrically distributed and randomly distributed multi-cracks are also examined. The results demonstrate the exceptional performance of the proposed approach in modeling the propagation and coalescence behaviors of complex multi-cracks, as well as capturing the competing growth and interaction among multi-cracks.