Modelling of Dynamic Crack Propagation in 3D Elastic Continuum Using Configurational Mechanics

This paper presents the theoretical basis and numerical implementation for simulating dynamic crack propagation in 3D hyperelastic contina within the context of configurational mechanics. The approach taken is based on the principle of global maximum energy dissipation for elastic solids, with configurational forces determining the direction of crack propagation. The work builds on the developments made by the authors for static analysis [1], incorporating the influence of the kinetic energy. The nonlinear system of equations are solved in a monolithic manner using Newton-Raphson scheme. Initial numerical results are presented