A parallel discontinuous Galerkin/cohesive-zone computational framework for the simulation of fracture in shear-flexible shells

• Published in: Computer methods in applied mechanics and engineering 2017-04, Vol.317, p.480-506
• Main Authors: Talamini, Brandon L., Radovitzky, Raúl
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging aircraft; Aircraft; Cohesion; Cohesive zone; Computation; Computational mathematics; Computer simulation; Deformation; Discontinuous Galerkin; Explosive decompression; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Formulations; Fracture; Galerkin method; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Modulus of elasticity; Parallel computing; Parallel processing; Passenger aircraft; Shear strength; Shell theory; Shells; Stiffeners; Studies; Thin walled shells; Transverse shear
• ISSN: 0045-7825; 1879-2138
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cma.2016.12.018

We propose a computational framework for the simulation of deformation and fracture in shells that is well suited to situations with widespread damage and fragmentation due to impulsive loading. The shell is modeled with a shear-flexible theory and discretized with a discontinuous Galerkin finite element method, while fracture is represented with a cohesive zone model on element edges. A key feature of the method is that the underlying shear-flexible shell theory enables the description of transverse shear fracture modes, in addition to the in-plane and bending modes accessible to Kirchhoff–Love thin shell formulations. This is especially important for impulsive loading conditions, where shear-off failure near stiffeners and supports is common. The discontinuous Galerkin formulation inherits the scalability properties demonstrated previously for large-scale simulation of fracture in solids, while avoiding artificial elastic compliance issues that are common in other cohesive model approaches. We demonstrate the ability of the framework to capture the transverse shear fracture mode through numerical examples, and the parallel computation capabilities of the method through the simulation of explosive decompression of the skin of a full-scale passenger aircraft fuselage. •Highly scalable in parallel computation, enabling high resolution and treatment of large structures.•Considers shear-off fracture mode, in addition to the in-plane modes visible to Kirchhoff–Love models.•Naturally locking-free without reduced integration or mixed methods.