Crack analysis using a hybrid numerical manifold method with node-based strain smoothing and double-interpolation

Abstract

In this paper, a hybrid numerical manifold method with node-based strain smoothing and double-interpolation is proposed for crack analysis and propagation. By introducing an allocation scheme, the empty strain smoothing domain issue encountered in the numerical manifold method framework is avoided, while the flexibility in smooth domain formulation is preserved. Our method’s hybrid approach stems from the double-interpolation locally implemented on the tip domain, where strain smoothing becomes cumbersome and costly. High accuracy and continuous nodal stress solutions were achieved in whole domains. The proposed model is validated through several comparisons of analytical and experimental results, and the results obtained for crack analysis and growths are shown to be accurate and efficient.