Acoplamento med-mef associado a modelos da mecânica da fratura coesiva

Abstract

This work proposes the computational modeling of two-dimensional media mechanical behavior with a continuous approach, related to the Finite Element Method (FEM) associated with Cohesive Fracture Mechanics (CFM) models, and a discrete approach, using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The FEM consists in a numerical tool widely used to achieve approximate solutions of Continuum Mechanics problems, involving physical and geometrical nonlinearities phenomena with quasi-static or dynamic behaviors, having already established practical applications in many areas of science and industry. On the other hand, DEM has more recent development and has been increasingly used to model discrete nature problems involving contact, impact and fragmentation phenomena and flow of particulate systems. Focused on analysis of problems with interactions between these natures, a FEMDEM coupling code is developed to solve the problem by a sub-region scheme where the FEM is used on modeling of nucleation process and crack propagation in continuous media, and DEM is employed to model granular media, whether due its nature or its conception, in a transient behavior. The possibility of opening and propagation of cracks is considered by using CFM models, intrinsically incorporated into the FEM formulation through interfaces inserted into the inner edges of the finite element mesh. Illustrative examples are presented and discussed in order to validate the proposed formulation and implementation.