An Implicit/Explicit dynamic context for brittle fracture using localized gradient damage model

•Presented an implicit/explicit solver within the staggered LGDM for dynamic fracture simulations.•A simple isotropic damage model shown to capture complex mixed-mode damage phenomena.•Investigated the performance of proposed schemes in terms of computational efficiency through mesh sensitivity study.•Demonstrated the predictive capability of proposed approach by simulating a series of CT experiments under increasing the impact velocity.•Highlighted the superior performance of the LGDM in handling the crack interaction and crack curving in double-edge crack specimen. In this work, an implicit/explicit framework for dynamic brittle fracture using localizing gradient damage model (LGDM) with monolithic and staggered solution schemes is presented. A predictive capability of the present approach is witnessed through accurate predictions of damage phenomena investigating various problems. First, a classical crack branching example is considered where the LGDM is shown to resolve the mesh sensitivity issue along with sharp crack profiles. Additionally, the robustness of different solutions schemes is demonstrated through mesh sensitivity analysis where the staggered explicit scheme is found to be computationally efficient. Next, the performance of the proposed model is investigated through the simulation of compact tension tests under different loading rates, to demonstrate the evolution from mode-I to mixed mode crack branching fracture. These tension tests demonstrate the capability of the model in capturing different failure patterns at different loading rates, which agree with the experimental data well. Finally, we considered a specimen with two dynamically propagating cracks located on opposite edges. These numerical simulations demonstrate the model’s capability in handling multiple crack propagation and effectively capturing the intricate mechanisms of damage growth.