A methodology for automatic crack propagation modelling in planar and shell FE models

This paper describes a fast and reliable algorithm for automatic simulations of crack propagation in bi-dimensional and non-planar shell FE models. Thanks to its simplicity, the algorithm can be coded with little effort and in a relatively short time. Moreover, it can be interfaced with the existing FE analysis environment. An automatic iterative process makes it possible to achieve the highest degree of accuracy in the results for the FE model used. Good accuracy can also be achieved for quite coarse meshes.