Crack analysis in orthotropic media using the extended finite element method

An extended finite element method has been proposed for modeling crack in orthotropic media. To achieve this aim a discontinuous function and two-dimensional asymptotic crack-tip displacement fields are used in a classical finite element approximation enriched with the framework of partition of unity. It allows modeling crack by standard finite element method without explicitly defining and remeshing of surfaces of the crack. In this study, fracture properties of the models are defined by the mixed-mode stress intensity factors (SIFs), which are obtained by means of the domain form of the interaction integral (M-integral). Numerical simulations are performed to verify the approach, and the accuracy of the results is discussed by comparison with other numerical or (semi-) analytical methods. (C) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.