A new shape optimization approach for fracture propagation

Within this work, we present a novel approach to fracture simulations based on shape optimization techniques. Contrary to widely‐used phase‐field approaches in literature the proposed method does not require a specified ‘length‐scale’ parameter defining the diffused interface region of the phase‐field. We provide the formulation and discuss the used solution approach. We conclude with some numerical comparisons with well‐established single‐edge notch tension and shear tests.