Three-dimensional embedded discontinuity model for brittle fracture

Three-dimensional elements with discontinuous shape functions have been developed to model brittle fracture in unstructured meshes. Through the incorporation of discontinuous shape functions, highly localised deformations can be captured in a coarse finite element mesh. By carefully examining the variational formulation, traction continuity is assured in a weak sense across discontinuities and a discrete constitutive (traction-separation) model is applied. Using discrete constitutive models avoids the need for numerical parameters to achieve mesh objective results with respect to energy dissipation, Further, kinematic enhancements allow objective analysis in unstructured meshes. Examples of three-dimensional analysis are shown to illustrate the performance of the model. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.