Three-dimensional non-linear fracture mechanics by enriched meshfree methods without asymptotic enrichment

This paper presents a three-dimensional, extrinsically enriched meshfree method for initiation, growth and coalescence of an arbitrary number of cracks in non-linear solids including large deformations, for statics and dynamics. The novelty of the methodology fashioned in this work is that only an extrinsic discontinuous enrichment and no near-tip/asymptotic enrichment is required. Instead, a Lagrange multiplier field is added along the crack front to close the crack along the front. This decreases the computational cost and removes difficulties involved with a branch enrichment. Numerical examples treated include the pull-out of a reinforcement bar from a concrete block, and a Taylor bar impact with very large deformation and fragmentation. The results are compared to experimental results, and other simulations from the literature, which shows the robustness and accuracy of the method. © 2007 Springer.