Modelling crack growth by level sets in the extended finite element method

An algorithm which couples the level set method (LSM) with the extended /nite element method (X-FEM) to model crack growth is described. The level set method is used to represent the crack location, including the location of crack tips. The extended /nite element method is used to compute the stress and displacement /elds necessary for determining the rate of crack growth. This combined method requires no remeshing as the crack progresses, making the algorithm very e>cient. The combination of these methods has a tremendous potential for a wide range of applications. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the combined methods