2D and 3D Abaqus implementation of a robust staggered phase-field solution for modeling brittle fracture

• Published in: Finite elements in analysis and design Vol. 130; pp. 27 - 38
• Main Authors: Molnár, Gergely, Gravouil, Anthony
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.08.2017; Elsevier BV; Elsevier
• Subjects: Abaqus UEL; Brittle fracture; Coalescing; Computer simulation; Crack propagation; Cracks; Engineering Sciences; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Fracture mechanics; Mathematical models; Mechanics; Phase-field; Robustness (mathematics); Solid mechanics; Staggered solution; Stiffness; Three dimensional models; Finite element method; Phase-field; Staggered solution; Brittle fracture; Abaqus UEL; Crack propagation
• ISSN: 0168-874X; 1872-6925
• DOI: 10.1016/j.finel.2017.03.002

In order to model brittle fracture, we have implemented a two and three dimensional phase-field method in the commercial finite element code Abaqus/Standard. The method is based on the rate-independent variational principle of diffuse fracture. The phase-field is a scalar variable between 0 and 1 which connects broken and unbroken regions. If its value reaches one the material is fully broken, thus both its stiffness and stress are reduced to zero. The elastic displacement and the fracture problem are decoupled and solved separately as a staggered solution. The approach does not need predefined cracks and it can simulate curvilinear fracture paths, branching and even crack coalescence. Several examples are provided to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the method. The provided source codes and the tutorials make it easy for practicing engineers and scientists to model diffuse crack propagation in a familiar computational environment. •Diffuse brittle crack propagation modeled with phase-field method.•Staggered, split scheme solution for elastic and phase-field problem.•Easy to use open source UEL implementation in Abaqus/Standard for practical purposes.