A configurational force approach to model the branching phenomenon in dynamic brittle fracture

It is observed that many micro branches evolve from the main crack in case of fast crack propagation. Thus, the energy flow into the main crack tip is divided between the main crack and the micro-branches. To introduce the micro-cracking effect to the fracture toughness, a fracture criterion as a function of the crack velocity is used in the model, in order to represent realistically the resistance of the cracked structure. In conclusion, it is shown that the proposed method based on the implicit description of energy minimization, is capable of explaining the physics behind the branching phenomenon and it offers a mesh objective solution for a structure even with a coarse mesh.