Abstract
•A numerical approach to analyze crack propagation phenomena is proposed.•Moving mesh methodology based on ALE strategy is implemented to predict crack growth.•The model avoids numerical complexities typically observed in classical FE approaches.•Numerical comparisons with existing formulations are developed for the validation.
A numerical model based on moving mesh strategy is proposed to simulate the evolution of internal material discontinuities in a continuum medium. The approach combines concepts arising from structural mechanics and moving mesh methodology, which are implemented in a unified framework to predict crack growth on the basis of Fracture Mechanics variables. In particular, moving computational nodes are modified starting from a fixed referential coordinate system on the basis of a crack growth criterion to predict directionality and displacement of the tip front. The use of rezoning mesh methods coupled with a proper advancing crack growth scheme ensures the consistency of mesh motion with small distortions and an unaltered mesh typology. In addition, the moving grid is modified from the initial configuration in such a way that the recourse to re-meshing procedures is strongly reduced. The numerical formulation and its computational implementation show how the proposed approach can be easily embedded in classical finite element software. Finally, numerical examples in the presence of internal material discontinuities and comparisons with existing data obtained by advanced numerical approaches and experimental data are proposed to check the validity of the formulation.