A variational minimization formulation for hydraulically induced fracturing in elastic-plastic solids

A variational modeling framework for hydraulically induced fracturing of elastic-plastic solids is developed in the present work. The structure provides a global minimization problem. While fracture propagation modeled by means phase-field approach to fracture, plastic effects are taken into account using Drucker–Prager-type yield-criterion function. This function governs evolution fluid-solid mixture. Fluid storage and transport described Darcy–Biot-type formulation. Thereby fluid decomposed contribution due elastic deformations one deformations. local return mapping scheme used update quantities. demands $$H(\mathrm{div})$$ -conforming finite-element Furthermore this combined with an enhanced-assumed-strain formulation order overcome locking phenomena arising from robustness capabilities presented will be shown sequence numerical examples.