Simulation of crack propagation in glass panels using finite element analysis

The applicability of the discrete crack approach of finite element (FE) modelling for simulating the propagation of cracks in glass panels was investigated. Two methods of discrete analysis for crack propagation, namely the re-meshing method and node-splitting method, were considered in this investigation. The re-meshing method employs fracture mechanics theory to determine the initiation and direction of crack propagation, whereas the node-splitting method uses plastic strain as the fracture criterion. It was revealed that the re-meshing method can be used to simulate the path of crack propagation in a glass panel which is subject to out-of-plane static loading. Results from FE simulations using the re-meshing method were found to correspond well with observations from physical experimentation conducted in this research. The node-splitting method has also been studied in an attempt to simulate both the initiation and the propagation of cracks. Results were found to be sensitive to the size of the meshing