LAUSR

Abstract We present a recently developed three-dimensional-finite-deformation-rate form-based constitutive theory to describe the deformation and fracture of viscoelastic solids. The constitutive theory was also implemented into a commercial finite-element program. Damage and fracture in viscoelastic solids is simulated using the element failure method coupled with a Gibbs free energy-based nonlocal fracture criterion. By numerically simulating selected boundary value problems, we show that our newly developed computational framework is able to reproduce the correct stress-strain response, force–displacement response and crack propagation characteristics in viscoelastic solids undergoing fracture, when compared to the response obtained using the extended finite-element method implementation in a commercially available finite element program.