Mixed mode fracture separation in viscoelastic orthotropic media: numerical and analytical approach by the Mθv -integral

An analytical and numerical procedure based on an independent integral path and finite element analysis for mixed-mode fracture in viscoelastic orthotropic media is developed. The separated method employs virtual mechanics fields induced by the classical singular analytical forms. The viscoelastic generalization uses a thermodynamic approach by defining an energy release rate only taking into account a perfect uncoupling between free and viscous energies. The implementation of the Mθ-integral in finite element software and its integration into the viscoelastic incremental formulation are presented. As results, the analytical and numerical solutions are compared by the way of the energy release rate in pure mode I, pure mode II and mixed modes. In shows that, the developed model lead to accurate and efficient separated fracture mode in viscoelastic materials.