Stable discontinuous space–time analysis of dynamic interface crack growth in orthotropic bi-materials using oscillatory crack tip enrichment functions

Abstract

ABSTRACT The problem of dynamic interface crack propagation in layered composites is addressed in this paper. Recently developed dynamic orthotropic bi-material enrichment functions are utilized to allow for accurate capturing of the oscillatory stress and displacement fields near the interface crack tip and proper evaluating of the crack tip velocity. The time discontinuous finite element and balance of recovery methods are employed during the crack propagation process in order to increase the stability and accuracy of the solution in dynamic crack propagation problems. Also, a suitable crack propagation criterion and an iterative algorithm are used to determine the interface crack tip velocity in each time step. Fracture mechanics parameters, such as dynamic stress intensity factor, phase angle and energy release rate are accurately predicted using the interaction integral method and the crack velocity dependent auxiliary fields. Numerical simulations of dynamic crack propagation in a homogeneous isotropic material, dynamic interface crack propagation in an isotropic bi-material, and dynamic interface crack propagation in an orthotropic bi-material are performed and the predictions are compared with the reference experimental and analytical results and the numerical data available in the literature.