Crack growth propagation modeling based on moving mesh method and interaction integral approach

This study presents a novel modeling strategy for predicting crack propagation phenomena in linear elastic continuum media under external loading conditions. The model combines the Moving Mesh method with Interaction integral approach in a FE framework. The former is used to reproduce the changes in the geometry caused by crack evolution, whereas the latter is adopted to evaluate the stress intensity factors (SIFs) to predict crack growth. The computational nodes are moved starting from a fixed referential coordinate system on the basis of a crack growth criterion, which predicts the direction of crack propagation at tip front. The mesh frame is changed, ensuring limited distortions of the elements by using a mesh regularization technique based on proper rezoning equations. This strategy also reduces re-meshing processes, which frequently occur in standard crack propagation FE procedures. The validity of the proposed model is verified through comparisons with existing experimental data and other advanced numerical approaches.