From Damage to Fracture, a Modelization Based on Moving Discontinuities and Layers

Abstract

A damage modelization is proposed based on a continuous transition from undamaged to damaged material. The evolution of damage is associated with a moving layer of finite thickness $l_c$, then initiation and propagation of damage can be unified in the same constitutive law. The driving force associated to the layer motion is a generalized release rate of energy. Using a normality rule based on this force the solution of the rate boundary value problem of propagation and displacement satisfies a variational inequation. Applications of the model are proposed.