Phase-field modeling of fracture in heterogeneous materials: jump conditions, convergence and crack propagation

Abstract

In this contribution, a variational diffuse modeling framework for cracks in heterogeneous media is presented. A static order parameter smoothly bridges the discontinuity at material interfaces, while an evolving phase-field captures the regularized crack. The key novelty is the combination of a strain energy split with a partial rank-I relaxation in the vicinity of the diffuse interface. The former is necessary to account for physically meaningful crack kinematics like crack closure, the latter ensures the mechanical jump conditions throughout the diffuse region. The model is verified by a convergence study, where a circular bi-material disc with and without a crack is subjected to radial loads. For the uncracked case, analytical solutions are taken as reference. In a second step, the model is applied to crack propagation, where a meaningful influence on crack branching is observed, that underlines the necessity of a reasonable homogenization scheme. The presented model is particularly relevant for the combination of any variational strain energy split in the fracture phase-field model with a diffuse modeling approach for material heterogeneities.

Jump conditions in phase‐field modeling of interface fracture

“…with G b c = 2.7 N mm −1 and G b c /Ĝ i c = 23, cf. [10,11]. The length scale interaction of i and c is compensated by applyingĜ i c instead of G i c along the interface, cf.…”

“…1b. Crack propagation is achieved by applying surfing boundary conditions [5,10,11] along ∂Ω u,s . The elastic material parameters are set to E 1 = 210 GPa, ν = 0.3 and E 2 /E 1 = 1/3, the length scales take values i = 18.75 µm and c = 15 µm, while the viscosity and the residual stiffness are specified as η f = 10 −5 kN s mm −2 and η = 10 −5 .…”

“…The length scale interaction of i and c is compensated by applyingĜ i c instead of G i c along the interface, cf. [8][9][10][11]. A sharp, conforming elastic jump beween the upper and lower half serves as reference.…”

“…The elastic material parameters are set to E 1 = 210 GPa, ν = 0.3 and E 2 /E 1 = 1/3, the length scales take values i = 18.75 µm and c = 15 µm, while the viscosity and the residual stiffness are specified as η f = 10 −5 kN s mm −2 and η = 10 −5 . The fracture toughness varies according to [10,11]. The length scale interaction of i and c is compensated by applyingĜ i c instead of G i c along the interface, cf.…”

“…Finally, u and c are obtained by the global minimization principle {u, c} = arg inf u inf c Π τ . Details on the global and local minimization principles can be found in [11]. Section 3: Damage and fracture mechanics…”