An algorithm for cohesive crack propagation in variably saturated porous media via a time sub-stepping scheme

This study presents a novel approach for simulating hydraulic fracture propagation in variably saturated porous media using the time sub-stepping method. Based on the authors’ previous THM model, a variably saturated model is developed based on mixture theory using two independent variables of displacement and water pressure to describe the behavior of intact porous media. The proposed model adopts the crack as an interface element coupled to …