Paper Details

The X-FEM attempts to improve computational challenges associated with mesh generation by not requiringthe finite element mesh to conform to cracks, and in addition, provides using higher-order elements or special finiteelements without significant changes in the formulation. The essence of the X -FEM lies in subdividing the model probleminto two distinct parts: mesh generation for the geometric domain (cracks not included), and enriching the finite elementapproximation by additional functions that model the flaw(s) and other geometric entities. In the X-FEM there is no needfor the remeshing, because the mesh is not changed as the crack growths and is completely independent of the locationand geometry of the crack. The discontinuities across the crack are modeled by enrichment functions. In thispresentation, the numerical simulation of 2D LEFM accomplished using the Extended Finite Element Method [XFEM] isdiscussed. XFEM has been recently accepted as a powerful tool for the numerical simulation of crack modelling inFracture Mechanics. According to this approach a discontinuous function and the asymptotic crack -tip displacementfunctions are added to the conventional finite element formulation. These additional functions, commonly known as theenrichment functions are derived from the theoretical background of the problem. XFEM is used i n the implementationof 2D static and crack propagation problems with plane stress condition. Various methods of XFEM are compared witheach other and are found in good agreement with that of the benchmark solutions. Also problems on the plate withinclined edge cracks under tensile loading are investigated.

J. Elanchezhian, K. Arul, A.Thanikasalam, A.Adinarayanan, “NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF CRACK GROWTH USING EXTENDED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD”, International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research Development (IJAERD), Vol. 2, Issue 3, pp. 582-589, March 2015.