Computational modelling of multiple crack growth: A comparison between discrete and phase field models

Computational modelling of fracture constitutes an indispensable tool not only to predict the failure of cracked structures but also to shed insights into the mechanism of the fracture processes of many materials. This work presents the first application of a phase field fracture model to the modelling of multiple crack growth in brittle solids. Furthermore, a comparison with an XFEM based discrete fracture model is also given. Phase field fracture (PFF) models are the regularised versions of the variational approach to fractures which generalise the classic Griffith's fracture mechanics theory for brittle materials. PFF models can handle topologically complex fractures such as intersecting cracks, branching cracks in both two dimensions and three dimensions with a quite straightforward implementation.