A finite element implementation of phase-field approach of fracture for nonlinear solid shells including inelastic material behavior

The parametrization of shell structures using the so-called solid shell concept has been widely exploited in the last decades. This trend is mainly attributed to the relatively simple kinematic treatment of solid shells in the corresponding finite element formulation in conjunction with the use of unmodified three-dimensional material laws, among other aspects. In the present investigation, we provide a comprehensive finite element implementation of solid shells incorporating: (i) the use of Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) and the Assumed Natural Strain (ANS) methods to prevent locking issues, (ii) the phase-field approach for triggering fracture events, and (iii) some representative inelastic material models. The current modular implementation has been integrated into the FE package ABAQUS via the user-defined routine UEL. Several representative examples demonstrate the applicability of the present formulation. •Application of solid shell theory for parametrization of shell structures for fracture response.•Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) and Assumed Natural Strain (ANS) to tackle locking.•Study of three representative inelastic material models for comprehensive analysis.•Innovative implementation of phase-field approach for triggering fracture events.