General consistency of strong discontinuity kinematics in Embedded Finite Element Method (E-FEM) formulations
This paper discusses the consistency of the theoretical basis behind the kinematic models of strong discontinuity methods for local fracture simulations using the Embedded Finite Element Method (E-FEM). A brief review is made on the elemental enhancement functions from the current E-FEM literature and how previous works managed to model mode I (normal) and mode II (parallel) fracture kinematics in multiple dimensions. Further analysis is made on how these approaches also introduce unintended mesh dependencies and basic kinematic inconsistencies of the fracture model with respect to its hosting element. Notable work from a few authors discussing some of these issues and their contributions to resolve them is reviewed as well. Based on this analysis, a new proposal of strong discontinuity enhancement functions is introduced to ensure a broader kinematic coherence within the element and to avoid the observed theoretical faults. This is done by making a more extensive use of the flexibility granted by the Hu-Washizu variational principle and by introducing new algebraic constraints that will ensure more correct fracture kinematics without compromising the acknowledged simplicity of the whole E-FEM framework. Element-level simulations are done to compare the outputs within a group of selected formulation approaches, including the novel proposal. Simulations show that the new element formulation grants a wider level of basic kinematic coherence between the local fracture outputs and element kinematics themselves, demonstrating an increase in robustness that might drive the usefulness and competitiveness of E-FEM techniques for fracture simulations to a higher level.