Numerical modeling of dynamic crack propagation in finite bodies, by moving singular elements: Part 1: Formulation

An efficient numerical (finite-element) method is presented for the dynamic analysis of rapidly propagating cracks in finite bodies, of arbitrary shape, wherein linear-elastic material behavior and two-dimensional conditions prevail. Procedures to embed analytical asymptotic solutions for singularities in stresses/strains near the propagating crack-tip, to account for the spatial movement of these singularities along with the crack-tip, and to directly compute the dynamic stress-intensity factor, are presented. Numerical solutions of several problems and pertinent discussions are presented in Part 2 of this paper.