Multiple snap-back instabilities in progressive microcracking coalescence

This work describes an application of the Crack Length Control Scheme to analyze the damage evolution in solids containing a distribution of collinear microcracks. By means of a Dual Boundary Element Method numerical procedure, a model of crack growth is developed according to Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics. A controlled crack propagation is obtained increasing the macrocrack length in the loading process. Some illustrative problems are shown, related to finite plates in plane strain conditions with one row of evenly spaced collinear cracks. The snap-back branches of the load-displacement curve are numerically plotted, and the interaction effects of the microcracks on damage evolution are analyzed.