A new finite-element technique for modelling stable crack growth

This paper presents a new technique for simulating crack extension in conjunction with the finite-element method. The technique uses spring and gap elements to control the motion of nodes on the crack plane. These elements are available in many proprietary finite-element codes, thereby obviating the need for a user-written finite-element code. Numerical results for stable crack growth are in excellent agreement with corresponding experiments. The technique is also applied to rapid fracture in ductile materials, as discussed in a companion paper.