Numerical simulation of dynamic crack propagation in brittle materials using a moving mesh technique

This work presents a robust and efficient numerical approach for simulating dynamic crack propagation processes in brittle materials. The proposed approach couples a standard Finite Element (FE) framework with a Moving Mesh (MM) technique based on the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation. The MM technique allows the computational mesh to dynamically adapt to the evolving geometry caused by growing cracks, specifically by repositioning mesh nodes around the crack tip. In this context, the ALE formulation guarantees mesh regularity by limiting unwarranted element distortion and minimizing the need for frequent global remeshing. Besides, fracture-mechanics-based criteria govern crack initiation, propagation, and direction. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed model have been thoroughly assessed through various benchmark cases, with results consistently validated against experimental and numerical data from the literature.