A modified zigzag approach to approximate moving crack front with arbitrary shape

This paper proposed a modified zigzag approach to approximate crack front with arbitrary shape based on virtual crack closure-integral technique. The important features of this approach are that: (i) more detailed consideration to determine the required virtually closed area and displacement opening were presented and (ii) adaptive re-meshing technique was avoid in studying crack growth. Three cases were presented to assess the validity of this approach by comparison to the results obtained from other approaches. Reasonable agreement between the present study and the analytical solutions were obtained. Also, the shape changes during crack propagation can be tracked with ease.