Revisit of Two-dimensional CEM on Crack Branching: from Single Crack-tip Tracking to Multiple Crack-tips Tracking

In this work, a Multiple Crack-tips Tracking algorithm in two-dimensional Crack Element Model (MCT-2D-CEM) is developed, aiming at modeling and predicting advanced and complicated crack patterns in two-dimensional dynamic fracturing problems, such as crack branching and fragmentation. Based on the developed fracture energy release rate formulation of split elementary topology, the Multiple Crack-tips Tracking algorithm is proposed and a series of benchmark examples are provided to validate effectiveness and efficiency in modeling crack branching and fragmentation. Besides, the proposed MCR-2D-CEM can still model single crack propagation but extra micro-cracks are introduced. GPU acceleration is employed in all two-dimensional simulations, providing high computational efficiency, consistency, and accuracy.