Continuum Approach to Computational Multi-Scale Modeling of Fracture

This paper presents a FE2 multi-scale framework for numerical modeling of the structural failure of heterogeneous quasi-brittle materials. The model is assessed by application to cementitious materials. Using the Continuum Strong Discontinuity Approach (CSD), innovative numerical tools, such as strain injection and crack path field techniques, provide a robust, and mesh-size, mesh-bias and RVE-size objective, procedure to model crack onset and propagation at the macro-scale.

Stabilized Mixed Finite Elements With Embedded Strong Discontinuities for Shear Band Modeling

A stabilized mixed finite element with elemental embedded strong discontinuities for shear band modeling is presented. The discrete constitutive model, representing the cohesive forces acting across the shear band, is derived from a rate-independent J2 plastic continuum material model with strain softening, by using a projection-type procedure determined by the Continuum-Strong Discontinuity Approach. The numerical examples emphasize the increase of the numerical solution accuracy obtained with the present strategy as compared with alternative procedures using linear triangles.