Stable 3D XFEM/vector level sets for non‐planar 3D crack propagation and comparison of enrichment schemes

Summary We present a three‐dimensional vector level set method coupled to a recently developed stable extended finite element method (XFEM). We further investigate a new enrichment approach for XFEM adopting discontinuous linear enrichment functions in place of the asymptotic near‐tip functions. Through the vector level set method, level set values for propagating cracks are obtained via simple geometrical operations, eliminating the need for...