Fracture modeling using a microstructural mechanics approach––II. Finite element analysis

In the accompanying paper [C.S. Chang, T.K. Wang, L.J. Sluys, J.G.M. van Mier, J. Eng. Fract. Mech. (this volume)], the theoretical aspects of a stress–strain model are described based on a microstructural approach. A finite element formulation was presented that incorporates the developed stress–strain relationship. In this paper the results of finite element analyses are described. The paper is focused on two main issues: the difference between the micropolar and the non-polar microstructural model, and the performance of the model respect to mesh size dependence. Specimens in uniaxial tension test and in biaxial tension–shear tests have been analyzed. To evaluate the applicability of this method, the finite element results are also compared with measured experimental results.