Numerical modelling of quasi-brittle fracture with the rate-dependent multiple embedded discontinuity approach

This article deals with 2D numerical modelling of fracture in quasi-brittle
materials. For this end, a rate-dependent multiple embedded discontinuity model is developed to simulate quasi-brittle fracture within the finite elements context. In the present modification of the embedded discontinuity approach, the discontinuities are pre-embedded (before the analysis) into each finite element of the mesh. With the chosen constant strain triangle element, this results in three discontinuity lines each oriented parallel to the sides of the triangle element.

Each discontinuity line has its own displacement jump and loading surface. The displacement jumps and elemental stresses are simultaneously solved with the multisurface plasticity techniques. Rate-dependency is incorporated with the viscoplastic consistency approach. The global equations of motion are solved in time by explicit time integration. The model performance is demonstrated in numerical examples where the uniaxial tension and compression tests are simulated.