A computational method for quasi-static fracture

A direct method for solving quasi-static, mixed-mode fracture problems is presented. The element-free Galerkin method is used in order to allow for crack growth without remeshing. An expression for the normalized, critical traction is derived in terms of the fracture resistance (R-curve) and a crack-dependent function. Sample problems demonstrate the capability of this method to accurately compute the post-peak equilibrium paths for structures with growing cracks.