Cohesive zone modelling

1 Introduction
Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics(LEFM) analysis predicts singular stresses at
the crack tip, which is unrealistic. LEFM has been proven a valuable tool for
solving fracture problems in the nonlinear zone near the crack tip is negligible.
However, the nonlinear zone being negligible for cementitious or ductile mate-
rials is not accurate due to plasticity or microcracking. Therefore, to eliminate
such an unrealistic prediction and overcome the shortcomings, in the 1960s,
Dugdale and Barenblat introduced cohesive zone modelling of cracks.
A cohesive zone is defined as the zone or area at the interface of the structure
where crack propagation will take place. This zone consists of cohesive elements
in the vicinity of the crack tip that behave like the crack would when propa-
gating. Both Dugdale and Barenvlatt have divided the crack surfaces into two
parts; one part is stress-free while the other is subjected to cohesive stresses σγ .
Dugdale studied the yielding of steel sheets and obtained a relation between the
external load applied and yielding and concluded that the influence of yielding is
roughly depicted by a crack extending into the region, which is plastic zone and
had stress equal to yield stress. In his theory, strain-hardening of the material
is not considered, and elastic-perfectly plastic material is assumed. This theory
of Dugdale holds good for plane stress which is not the realistic case, as stresses
due to crack propagation can be more than or equal to equivalent stress in a
multiaxial stress state.

Figure 1: Dugdale Model

Barenblatt, in his research, investigated brittle materials and stated that

instead of stress being constant in the cohesive zone, the stress varies with
deformation in the cohesive zone. This stress in the cohesive zone acts as re-
straining stress which prevents cracks surfaces from separating. This restraining

1
 Figure 2: Barenblatt model

stress is also known as Traction. The restraining action is due to the attraction
between the atoms and the molecules. From figure3, the stress in the cohesive
zone, the traction, as a function of separation distance (Equation), can be seen.
Depending on the separation distance, the traction along the interface will vary.

Figure 3: The cohesive zone in the vicinity of crack tip

Fromseparation , the s, tress in the cohesive zone, the traction, as a function

of separation distance (Equation), can be seen. Depending on the separation
distance, the traction along the interface will vary.
Repeat {
θj := θj − α∂∂θj J(θ)
}$