A quasi-monolithic phase-field description for mixed-mode fracture using predictor–corrector mesh adaptivity

In this work, we develop a mixed-mode phase-field fracture model employing a parallel-adaptive quasi-monolithic framework. In nature, failure of rocks and rock-like materials is usually accompanied by the propagation of mixed-mode fractures. To address this aspect, some recent studies have incorporated mixed-mode fracture propagation criteria to classical phase-field fracture models, and new energy splitting methods were proposed to split the total crack driving energy into mode-I and mode-II parts. As extension in this work, a splitting method for masonry-like materials is modified and incorporated into the mixed-mode phase-field fracture model. A robust, accurate and efficient parallel-adaptive quasi-monolithic framework serves as basis for the implementation of our new model. Three numerical tests are carried out, and the results of the new model are compared to those of existing models, demonstrating the numerical robustness and physical soundness of the new model. In total, six models are computationally analyzed and compared.