Phantom-node method for shell models with arbitrary cracks

A phantom-node method is developed for three-node shell elements to describe cracks. This method can treat arbitrary cracks independently of the mesh. The crack may cut elements completely or partially. Elements are overlapped on the position of the crack, and they are partially integrated to implement the discontinuous displacement across the crack. To consider the element containing a crack tip, a new kinematical relation between the overlapped elements is developed. There is no enrichment function for the discontinuous displacement field. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed method.

► We developed a new phantom-node method for MITC3 element to analyze crack growth.
► Extension of the method for MITC6 and other shell elements is straightforward.
► We developed a new formulation for the crack tip placed inside an element without an enrichment.
► The calculation of the stress intensity factor for the cracked shell is based on the domain integral.
► The method is verified for both in-plane and out-of-plane problems.