A phase-field model of fracture with frictionless contact and random fracture properties: Application to thin-film fracture and soil desiccation

We present a new derivation for a phase-field model of cohesive fracture that allows for fully-damaged surfaces to properly transmit tractions under frictionless contact conditions. The model is derived from an energy minimization standpoint, and the governing equations are presented in a general Allen–Cahn form, unifying both brittle and cohesive fracture models. A novel elastic energy split is proposed to enforce frictionless contact...