Efficient integration of crack singularities in the extended finite element method: Duffy-distance transformation and conformal preconditioning strategy

Abstract

For integrals with various orders of vertex singularity encountered in the generalized/extended finite element method, three difficulties should be concerned as: (a) the singularity with respect to local distance r; (b) the near singularity caused by ill-shaped patches; (c) the near singularity during the iso-parametric transformation. In this paper, based on the Duffy transformation, the near singularities caused by ill-shaped patches and element shape distortion are revealed theoretically and numerically, a Duffy-distance transformation is constructed to damp out the near singularity caused by ill-shaped patches, and a conformal preconditioning strategy is developed to fully eliminate the near singularity caused by element shape distortion. Extensive numerical examples, including crack-tip elements with distorted shape, are given to validate the efficiency and robustness of the presented scheme in this paper.