Analysis of multi-crack propagation by using the extended boundary element method

A new way is proposed to simulate the crack propagation paths of the multi-cracked structure. Firstly, the complete displacement and stress fields of the multi-cracked structure are calculated by the extended boundary element method (XBEM) coupled with characteristic analysis of the crack tip. Secondly, based on the maximum circumferential stress criterion by considering the contribution of the non-singular stress terms, the crack initiation angles are obtained. Thirdly, the cracks propagate forward along the crack initiation angles to form a new multi-cracked structure. During this process, boundary element adaptive mesh technique is established and the XBEM is used to analyze the newly formed multi-cracked structure repeatedly. Finally, the crack propagation paths of the multi-cracked structure are obtained. Numerical examples show that the results obtained by the XBEM are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Automated summary

A new method is proposed to simulate crack propagation paths in multi-cracked structures. The complete displacement and stress fields are calculated using XBEM and characteristic analysis of crack tips. By considering non-singular stress terms, crack initiation angles are obtained, leading to the formation of a new multi-cracked structure with crack propagation paths determined. The results obtained by XBEM show good agreement with experimental results.