Explicit finite element formulation for a general strip yield model

The concept of a strip yield model for the description of the fracture of materials is well established. Typically, the displacement response of the strip yield, or process zone, is calculated in terms of linear elastic fracture mechanics parameters. However, complex geometry and loading conditions usually require a numerical solution, at least for the stress distribution. Since the numerical approach is required anyway, a modification to the finite element method is used to facilitate the direct computation of the process zone displacement. The nonlinearity of the approach is handled conveniently with the Dynamic Relaxation technique, which allows solutions to be obtained up to limit load conditions. Applications of the method demonstrate the effectiveness in determining the process zone response directly from the finite element data.