Numerical modeling of dynamic crack propagation mechanisms using a moving mesh technique based on the ALE formulation

This work proposes a new FE model to predict dynamic crack propagation mechanisms in quasi-brittle materials. The numerical strategy uses a Moving Mesh (MM) technique consistent with the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation to reproduce the variation of the geometry of the computational domain caused by dynamically growing cracks. Specifically, the motion of the mesh nodes takes place consistently with conditions dictated by classic Fracture Mechanics, which provide conditions concerning the direction of propagation and the velocity of advancing cracks. As a remarkable key novelty, the proposed method introduces the ALE formulation of the M-integral for extracting Dynamic Stress Intensity Factors (DSIFs) at a moving crack front. This formulation allows extracting fracture variables on deforming elements without losing accuracy. Comparisons with analytical and numerical data are proposed to assess the validity and efficiency of the proposed strategy.