On quasi-brittle static fracture analysis of micropolar plates via XFEM model

• Published in: International journal of engineering science 2025-01, Vol.206, p.104168, Article 104168
• Main Authors: Tuna, Meral, Trovalusci, Patrizia, Fantuzzi, Nicholas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cosserat; I-integral; Intensity factors; LEFM; XFEM
• ISSN: 0020-7225
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijengsci.2024.104168

•A micropolar/XFEM model is proposed for efficient extraction of basic LEFM parameters.•It forms basis to explore crack propagation within the framework of LEFM.•SIFs and CSIF are attained using the domain form of interaction integral; I-integral.•It has the ability to track crack growth once a fracture criterion is assigned.•It offers a different perspective to model crack evolution for micropolar case. The main objective of this study is to implement extended finite element method (XFEM) to two-dimensional (2D) micropolar structures in order to extract basic fracture parameters required in linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) in a computationally efficient manner, and thus to provide basis to explore the crack propagation phenomenon within this framework. The stress and couple-stress intensity factors (SIF and CSIF) are detected with the aid of interaction integral, I-integral, and compared with the ones in the literature for validation purposes while an engineering problem of practical importance; plate with an oblique edge crack, is investigated to demonstrate the applicability of the developed methodology. The approach presents considerable simplification in modeling process owing to ability of XFEM to treat discontinuities and singularities appeared in the cracked domains, and offers a new, and different perspective to available methods (e.g. phase field method and peridynamics), each with their own advantages and limitations, extended to deal with crack and its growth in micropolar structures.