X-FEM for Three-Dimensional Dynamic Crack Growth

In this paper, the extended finite element (X-FEM) methodology is studied in the modeling and simulation of 3D crack and 3D dynamic crack growth in linear materials. And a 3D X-FEM computer code is developed. The B-bar method to modify the shape function of the 3D brick element is adopted. Stress intensify factors of 3D crack are calculated in XFEM. Several 2D and 3D crack problems are modeled by X-FEM. In the end, a 3D dynamics crack growth is simulated by using X-FEM. It is found that X-FEM is superior to the traditional FEM in the modeling and simulation of 3D dynamic crack growth.