On the numerical integration in generalized/extended finite element method analysis for crack propagation problems
ISSN: 0264-4401
Article publication date: 19 June 2020
Issue publication date: 27 January 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate some numerical integration strategies used in generalized (G)/extended finite element method (XFEM) to solve linear elastic fracture mechanics problems. A range of parameters are here analyzed, evidencing how the numerical integration error and the computational efficiency are improved when particularities from these examples are properly considered.
Design/methodology/approach
Numerical integration strategies were implemented in an existing computational environment that provides a finite element method and G/XFEM tools. The main parameters of the analysis are considered and the performance using such strategies is compared with standard integration results.
Findings
Known numerical integration strategies suitable for fracture mechanics analysis are studied and implemented. Results from different crack configurations are presented and discussed, highlighting the necessity of alternative integration techniques for problems with singularities and/or discontinuities.
Originality/value
This study presents a variety of fracture mechanics examples solved by G/XFEM in which the use of standard numerical integration with Gauss quadratures results in loss of precision. It is discussed the behaviour of subdivision of elements and mapping of integration points strategies for a range of meshes and cracks geometries, also featuring distorted elements and how they affect strain energy and stress intensity factors evaluation for both strategies.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the important support of the Brazilian research agencies CAPES (in Portuguese “Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior”) and CNPq (in Portuguese “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico”) – Grants 304211/2019-2, 437639/2018-5 and 311663/2017-6.
Citation
Campos, B.C., Barros, F.B. and Penna, S.S. (2021), "On the numerical integration in generalized/extended finite element method analysis for crack propagation problems", Engineering Computations, Vol. 38 No. 1, pp. 180-220. https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-02-2020-0067
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited