Arbitrary crack propagation in multi-phase materials using the finite volume method

An arbitrary crack propagation model using cell-centre nite volume based
method is presented. Crack growth in an elastic solid, across an interface
perpendicular to the initial crack path and into a second elastic solid is
analysed. Crack initiation and the subsequent path of propagation are shown
to arise naturally out of the selection of appropriate cohesive parameters.
It is shown that the allowable crack propagation path is restricted by the
underlying mesh. Results are presented for a number of values of interfacial
strength and ratios of elastic properties between the two elastic solids. For
higher values of interfacial strength, the crack is shown to propagate straight
through the interface, while for lower values of interfacial strength, the crack
is shown to change direction and propagate along the interface. It is shown
that with careful selection of material and interface parameters it is possible
to arrest a propagating crack at the interface. The method represents a useful
step towards the prediction of crack propagation in complex structures.