Simulation of Dynamic 3D Crack Propagation within the Material Point Method

This paper presents the principles and algorithms for simulation of dynamic crack propagation in elastic bodies by the material point method (MPM), from relatively simple two-dimensional cases to full three-dimensional, mixed-mode crack propagation. The paper is intended to give a summary of the latest achievements on simulation of three-dimensional dynamic crack propagation, which is essentially an unexplored area. Application of the methodology presented in this paper to several dynamic crack propagation problems has shown that the MPM is a reliable and powerful approach for simulating three-dimensional, mixed-mode crack propagation.