Damage and strain localisation during crack propagation in thin-walled shells

Based on the GURSON damage model a simulation of ductile crack growth in thin-walled shell structures is presented. The proposed Finite Element model for shells is based on a 5-parameter theory taking bending effect into acount. The problem of mesh dependence in strain softening materials is treated by a non-local regularisation of the damage evolution equation. As an example a cylindrical tube under internal pressure is considered. Results for the equivalent stress, the equivalent strain and the damage parameter are shown.