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Intra-element versus inter-element crack propagation: the numerical extensometer approach

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Abstract

Numerical modeling of crack propagation is still a pressing issue in fracture mechanics. The finite element method and its variations are usually used for this purpose. One of the possibilities for modeling crack propagation is the well-known cohesive fracture mechanics. Generally, commercial finite element programs use a predefined cohesive zone, i.e., inter-element cracking modeling. Alternatively, this paper proposes a numerical strategy where the cohesive cracks can nucleate and propagate at any finite element, i.e., intra-element cracking modeling. The numerical results show a good agreement between both models when the cohesive zone is predefined. Moreover, when compared to a bending experiment on a tunnel lining segment where cracks can appear anywhere, the proposed model (the intra-element cohesive cracking model) presents good accuracy where different cracks nucleate and propagate.

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Acknowledgements

The first author acknowledges CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico), Brazil, for the grant 436523/2018-3 (Chamada Universal CNPq MCTIC) and the Scientific Computing and Visualization Laboratory of the Federal University of Alagoas (LCCV/UFAL) for access to an ABAQUS® license. The first and third authors acknowledge the Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling in Civil Engineering of the Disaster Research Institute of the Federal University of Sergipe (LAMEC/IPD/UFS) for the physical support during this investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Disaster Research Institute, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil

    David Leonardo Nascimento de Figueiredo Amorim

  2. Laboratory of Materials and Soils, Departmento de Obras Civiles y Geología, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile

    Ricardo Picón

  3. Campus do Sertão, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia, Brazil

    Camila de Sousa Vieira

  4. School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Shapingba-District, Chongqing, 400045, China

    Julio Flórez-López

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  1. David Leonardo Nascimento de Figueiredo Amorim
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  3. Camila de Sousa Vieira
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Amorim, D.N., Picón, R., Vieira, C.d. et al. Intra-element versus inter-element crack propagation: the numerical extensometer approach. J Braz. Soc. Mech. Sci. Eng. 46, 360 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-024-04951-6

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