LAUSR

Abstract In contrast to many numerical methods, the eigenerosion approach yields a convenient description of fracture handled in the postprocessing part of a Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Its fully energetic formulation avoids the introduction of extra degrees of freedom to model fracture propagation. Following previous works on eigenerosion, in this publication, a modified formulation of eigenfracture it is introduced, where it is distinguished between compression and tension loaded state. This formulation has the advantage that it relates the crack propagation process only to tensile loading. The procedure is implemented using a spectral decomposition of the strain field. The application of the method to brittle fracture makes it suitable for materials like concrete. The accuracy of the method is assessed for linear elasticity in statics and dynamics for two- and three-dimensional problems.