A robust meshing algorithm for complex 3D crack growth simulations

Robust and efficient strategies for simulation of cracked structures are of great interest for a wide range of industrial applications. However, the usual finite element method, which is one of most popular tool for computational mechanics is suffering many limitations that prevent its use to robustly and accurately predict critical damage tolerance analysis of 3D structures where crack propagation occurs. One of the main drawback is related to the specific remeshing effort required to properly model an evolving crack geometry and the singular phenomena arising in the front vicinity.