Abstract
A boundary element method based numerical model is presented to simulate the nonlinear fracture process zone in cementitious materials. A cohesive type stress-separation constitutive relationship (σ-w curve) is incorporated in the model to represent the process zone. Numerical algorithms for both force-controlled (prescribed loading history) and crack-tip-control-led (prescribed crack tip position) are implemented to allow whole range simulations, including strain-softening and snap-back behavior. The numerical program includes special features to permit re-adjustment of nodal points such that accurate determination of the crack-tip position is achieved. A series of numerical simulations on both 3-point beams and double cantilever beams (DCB) are conducted to investigate the development of the inelastic process zone with respect to load level, loading configuration, specimen size, and the stress-separation relationship in the process zone. Size effect on fracture resistance is clearly demonstrated. Conclusions are drawn regarding the importance of determining the details of σ-w curve (i.e., the values of f t and w c )and the need for re-evaluating the R-curves approach in cementitious materials.
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Communicated by S. N. Atluri, January 23, 1990
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Liang, R.Y.K., Li, Y.N. Simulations of nonlinear fracture process zone in cementitious material—a boundary element approach. Computational Mechanics 7, 413–427 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00350169
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00350169