Webtraining – Mesh-independent fracture modeling XFEM

During this webtraining 4RealSim will introduce XFEM, a technique available in Abaqus to model a crack as an enriched feature. Furthermore we will focus on the advantages of XFEM. This webtraining is part of a series of fracture mechanics sessions (Modeling Material Failure with Abaqus, Modeling adhesives with Abaqus & Mesh-independent fracture modeling XFEM).
4RealSim believes in continuous Abaqus learning and regularly organizes webtrainings for our customers. Join our webinar and learn more about Abaqus, get more confident in the usage and become more efficient!

XFEM to model cracks

Modeling stationary discontinuities, such as a crack, with the conventional finite element method requires that the mesh conforms to the geometric discontinuities. Creating a conforming mesh can be quite challenging. Modeling a growing crack is even more cumbersome because the mesh must be updated continuously to match the geometry of the discontinuity as the crack progresses.
The extended finite element method (XFEM) alleviates the need to create a conforming mesh. XFEM models a crack as an enriched feature by adding degrees of freedom in elements with special displacement functions. XFEM does not require the mesh to match the geometry of the discontinuities. It can be used to simulate initiation and propagation of a discrete crack along an arbitrary, solution-dependent path without the requirement of remeshing. You can also use XFEM to perform contour integral evaluation for an arbitrary stationary surface crack without the need to define a conforming mesh around the crack tip. Furthermore crack surfaces can participate in general contact.

Who can attend the 4RealSim Abaqus webtraining?

This 4RealSim webtraining is intended for our Abaqus customers.