A level set based model for damage growth: The thick level set approach

TLDR

The paper proposes a novel level‑set based model for damage growth in solids. The model employs a level‑set field to delineate undamaged and damaged regions, defines the damage variable as an explicit function of this field, and drives damage front propagation via a non‑local configurational force that averages over the front thickness, with total damage assumed beyond a critical length. The model demonstrates computational and theoretical advantages, and numerical tests confirm its ability to initiate and propagate cracks, including complex branching and merging patterns. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, we introduce a new way to model damage growth in solids. A level set is used to separate the undamaged zone from the damaged zone. In the damaged zone, the damage variable is an explicit function of the level set. This function is a parameter of the model. Beyond a critical length, we assume the material to be totally damaged, thus allowing a straightforward transition to fracture. The damage growth is expressed as a level set propagation. The configurational force driving the damage front is non‐local in the sense that it averages information over the thickness in the wake of the front. The computational and theoretical advantages of the new damage model are stressed. Numerical examples demonstrate the capability of the new model to initiate cracks and propagate them even in complex topological patterns (branching and merging for instance). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.