Crack analysis in orthotropic media using the extended finite element method

An extended finite element method has been proposed for modeling crack in orthotropic media. To achieve this aim a discontinuous function and two-dimensional asymptotic crack-tip displacement fields are used in a classical finite element approximation enriched with the framework of partition of unity. It allows modeling crack by standard finite element method without explicitly defining and re-meshing of surfaces of the crack. In this study, fracture properties of the models are defined by the mixed-mode stress intensity factors (SIFs), which are obtained by means of the domain form of the interaction integral (M-integral). Numerical simulations are performed to verify the approach, and the accuracy of the results is discussed by comparison with other numerical or (semi-) analytical methods.