Localisation problems in the dynamic modelling of quasi-brittle materials

When a material model that describes the behaviour of softening materials is implemented in a finite element program, the solution of the problem is often dependent on the element size. When the elements become smaller, the zone in which the material softens becomes smaller too. These localisation effects give rise to physical unrealistic and unreliable results. The presented contribution deals with localisation problems in dynamic material modelling. A dynamic material model, based on damage mechanics, for quasi-brittle materials is presented and it is shown that with the model no localisation problems occur.