Advanced Finite Element Techniques for the Simulation of Fracture Propagation in Orthotropic and Heterogeneous Media

• Grant number: 24/06917-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Nathan Shauer
• Grantee: Nathan Shauer
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The propagation of fractures poses significant challenges across various industries. Modeling this problem is particularly challenging in cases involving orthotropic and heterogeneous materials. Two widely used models include the discrete model, which treats fractures as a discontinuity, and the Phase-field model, which employs a scalar field to represent fracturing amount. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, with the choice depending on the specific problem at hand. Modeling discrete fractures requires additional models to address phenomena such as nucleation and propagation. On the other hand, the Phase-field model naturally captures these phenomena but demands high computational capacity and mesh refinement. Several spatial discretization techniques, such as the Finite Element Method, Boundary Element Method, and Generalized Finite Element Method, have been applied to fracture problems. The Generalized Finite Element Method is particularly fitted for fracture as it allows for enrichment of the approximation space with tailored functions and imposes no mesh generation restrictions. This project aims to compare the discrete fracture model spatially discretized using the Generalized Finite Element Method against the Phase-field Method using the Finite Element Method for simulating fracture propagation in orthotropic and heterogeneous media. Additionally, the project proposes the development of new simulation-related technologies, such as stress intensity factor extraction and mesh adaptivity. (AU)