A non-standard numerical method for finite element modelling of tensile cracks in quasi-brittle material

In this paper, a non-standard finite element (FE) method, coupled with a mathematical programming procedure, is presented to simulate initiation and propagation of in-plane tensile cracks in quasi-brittle material. Potential crack lines are defined and limited by the FE edges. The cracks are considered as localized plastic deformations imposed at the nodes along the potential crack paths. Crack opening is detected at each node by a limit value...