Abstract: In the present study the software CrackComput , based on the Xfem and Xcrack libraries has been used for three problemsto experiment on the convergence properties of the method applied to elasto-statics crack problems, comparison of stress intensity factors to simplified analytical results and study of the Brazilian fracture test. All the problems are treated in two dimensions under p...

The analysis of adhesively bonded joints started in 1938 with the closed-form model of Volkersen. The equilibrium equation of a single lap joint led to a simple governing differential equation with a simple algebraic equation. However, if there is yielding of the adhesive and/or the adherends and substantial peeling is present, a more complex model is necessary. The more complete is an analysis...

A methodology to model arbitrary holes and material interfaces (inclusions) without meshing the internal boundaries is proposed. The numerical method couples the level set method (Osher and Sethian, 1988) to the eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) (Mo es et al., 1999). In the X-FEM, the nite element approximation is enriched by additional functions through the notion of partition of unity. T...