Abstract
We propose a variational fracture simulation method based on Eshelby’s transformation. The fracture zone is viewed as an inclusion with non-zero eigenstrain, and the fracture energy can be derived from the inclusion interaction energy within the eigendeformation framework. For the common crack-type inclusions, the method turns to be a phase field model. Eshelby’s inclusion tensor is used to construct a novel degradation function. The yield surface of the variational fracture method resembles the plastic potential of Gurson-type fracture models, which indicates that hydrostatic dependency and micromechanical effects have been incorporated. The efficiency and capability of this method are validated by plane strain tension and shear tests. Micro-structural softening associated with growth and coalescence of the micro-cracks may largely promote the initiation and evolution of fractures.
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