On moving thick layer approach
for graded damage modelling
Claude Stolz
Abstract We propose to examine analytical solutions
of propagation of graded damage for particular geome-
tries in the context of the formulation of a damage law
based on a continuous transition between a sound mate-
rial and a totally or partially broken material. The evo-
lution of damage is associated with a moving layer of
finite thickness, defined in the frame of a moving sur-
face Γo . The dissipation and the driven forces for the
motion of the layer depend on the local shape, in par-
ticular on the curvature of the surface Γo . This study
is then focussed on the effect of this curvature on the
stability of the propagation of the layer. Comparison
with description of damage with sharp interface is also
presented.
Keywords Nucleation of defects · Moving layers ·
Elastic brittle material
1 Introduction
The full scenario of the degradation of solids under
mechanical loading is described generally by a damage
description modelling the gradual loss of stiffness.
C. Stolz (B)
CNRS UMR-9219, IMSIA, 91762 Palaiseau Cedex, France
e-mail: claude.stolz@ec-nantes.fr
C. Stolz
CNRS UMR-6183, GeM, Ecole Centrale de Nantes,
44321 Nantes Cedex 3, France
1
Recently a new approach have been proposed based
on a moving layer associated with the propagation of
level set surface (Moës et al. 2011). For elastic brit-
tle material (Bui and Ehrlacher 1980) or elastic quasi-
brittle material, the evolution of the interface separat-
ing the undamaged material d = 0 from the damaged
material d = 1 have been studied using an energetic
description of the propagation (Pradeilles-Duval and
Stolz 1991, 1995). In this description the parameter d
jumps instantaneously from 0 to 1. The interface has no
thickness and some mechanical quantities present dis-
continuities (Abeyaratne and Knowles 1990). Criteria
of uniqueness and of stability of the propagation have
been also established. In this approach, nucleation of
defects can be considered as a bifurcation of equilib-
rium solution (Stolz 2007).
Descriptions of moving interfaces and of moving
layers are also useful for studying loss of matter. Such
a thermodynamical description of thin or thick layers
permits to describe complex process of wear between
two bodies in relative motion (Stolz 2010).
In the article Stolz and Moës (2012), the model stud-
ied the case of the propagation of damage in a bar. The
initial material and the damaged material are separated
by a surface Γo . This boundary is a moving interface. A
surface is considered as an equipotential or a level-set.
This surface is an interface where the material begins to
change its properties. Two cases have been considered :
the propagation of a sharp interface and the propagation
of a moving layer.
 Sharp interface If the transition zone is very thin, We analyse in this framework, the response of a
the transition from sound material to damaged cylinder under longitudinal shear, a cylinder and a
material can be discontinuous and the interface is sphere under radial loading.
called sharp interface.
The driving force associated to the propagation of
the interface is the local energy release rate G(s), 2.1 The longitudinal shear on a cylinder
as proposed (Bui and Ehrlacher 1980; Abeyaratne
and Knowles 1990). Moreover stability and non- We consider a cylinder with circular section of internal
bifurcation conditions for the problem of evolution radius Ri and external radius Re . On the surface r = Ri ,
are given when a normality rule is associated with the displacement is null. On r = Re the displacement
a generalized Griffith’s criterion like G(s) ≤ G c . or the shear stress is imposed. In linear elasticity, the
displacement solution satisfies
In this case the addition of a surface energy density
is a factor of stabilization of the propagation of the ∂u
u = u(r )ez , ∇u = ez ⊗ er . (1)
surface due to the influence of the curvature on the ∂r
energy release rate (Son et al. 1989)
Moving layer If the interface is thick, the transition The shear stress satisfies the constitutive law and the
should be more regular. The evolution of damage conservation of the momentum
is then associated to a moving layer. The thickness du d d

du

of the transition zone provides a length scale in the τ = μ(r ) , (r τ ) = μ(r )r = 0. (2)
dr dr dr dr
model.

The purpose of this article is to use the notion of Then r τ = C where the constant C is given by the
moving layer to describe a graded damage as in Stolz imposed displacement or the prescribed shear ar r =
and Moës (2012). The analysis of dissipation provides Re . We choose to impose the displacement u(Re ) = E
the definition of the energy release rate G(s) associated then
to the motion of the layer. A normality rule based on a  Re
criterion function of G(s) is then proposed. dr C
E = u(Re ) = C ; Σ= . (3)
To emphasize the rule of the curvature of the layer, Ri r μ(r ) Re
we study three particular systems: the longitudinal
shear of a cylinder, a cylinder and a sphere under radial The cylinder is now a composite cylinder, the surface
expansion. r = Γo is the boundary between sound material 0 and
partially damaged material 1. Then the total potential
energy is

2 The sharp interface  Re dr

2
E(u, Γo ) = πC = πC 2 J (Γo ). (4)
Ri r μ(r )
The sound material 0 is transformed into partially dam-
age material 1 when the boundary between the two
When the boundary moves with velocity Γ˙o = a the
materials is moving when some threshold is reached as
potential energy changes. In the case of sharp interface
proposed in Pradeilles-Duval and Stolz (1991, 1995).
The system is a two phase composite, when the bound-  Γo  Re
dr dr
ary is moving the potential energy changes, the asso- J (Γo ) = + , (5)
ciated dissipation is a function of the velocity of the Ri r μ1 Γo r μo
boundary. This defines the driving force associated to
the motion of the interface as an energy release rate in this case, the dissipation is
G(s). The evolution of the interface is then governed
by a kinetic relation (Gurtin and Podio-Guiugli 1996) ∂E πC 2 μo − μ1
Dm = − a= a = 2π Γo G Γ a.
or by a normality rule as proposed in Pradeilles-Duval ∂Γo Γo μo μ1
and Stolz (1995). (6)

2
This defines the energy release rate G Γ by unit of area
G Γ = G(Γo , C), the evolution of the boundary is now
governed by a kinetic equation between a and G Γ . The
proposed normality rule takes the form
G Γ ≤ G c , a ≥ 0, (G Γ − G c ) a = 0. (7)
2.2 The cylinder and the sphere under radial loading
In the same spirit, we consider now the case of a com-
posite cylinder and a composite sphere under radial
loading, the displacement solution of the problem of
equilibrium is assumed to be radial

u = u(r )er , (12)

During the propagation of the interface, the relation
G Γ = G(Γo , C) = G c defines implicitly the position
and the strains are:
of the interface. We obtain
du u
for the cylinder: n = 2, εr = , εθ = ,
C 2 μo − μ1 dr r
= Gc. (8) du u
2Γo2 μo μ1 for the sphere: n = 3, εr = , εθ = εφ = .
dr r
In linear elasticity, with Lamé’s moduli (λ, μ) the con-
At the initiation of the damaged zone Γo = Ri , we servation of the momentum, when Λ(r ) = λ(r ) + 2μ
define some constant with μ uniform, implies the differential equation on u

Ri 2 μo − μ1 d
 
du u

C = Cc , Σc = τc ,τ = 2G c . (9) Λ + (n − 1) = 0. (13)
Re c μo μ1 dr dr r

The dissipation induces that during the initiation of the The displacement solution is then obtained in the kernel
layer, C/Γo = Cc /Ri = τc . Ri ≤ r ≤ R e
The response of the cylinder under loading is then  r n−1
r dr
decomposed in three parts for an increasing E, r n−1 u(r ) = AIn (r ) + Rin−1 u i , In (r ) = .
Ri Λ
Step I From initial state. From the initial state, the The radial displacement for the global response is then
first step is an elastic response with modulus μo determined by

C C Re u(Re ) = E Re , Ren E = AIn (Re ) + Rin−1 u i . (14)

Σ= , E = u(Re ) = log , (10)
Re μo Ri
The total energy of composite is now evaluated
until τ (Ri ) = τc or C = Cc .  Re
n−1 1
Step II Propagation of the interface. From the state E(u) = π 2 σ : ǫ r n−1 dr
Ri 2
C = Cc and increasing E or C, the damage evolves   Re
accordingly with = π 2n−1 σrr (r )u(r )r n−1 .
Ri
Γo
Σ = τc , As the radial stress is
Re  
  du u du
1 Re μo − μ1 Γo σrr = λ + (n − 1) + 2μ
E = τc Γo log + log , dr r dr
μo Ri μo μ1 Ri  
du u u
until τ (Re ) = τc =Λ + (n − 1) − 2μ(n − 1)
dr r r
State III Final state after total transformation. From u
the state, τ (Re ) = τc and an increasing E, the evo- = A − 2μ(n − 1) ,
r
lution is that of a cylinder of modulus μ1 . then

C C Re E = π 2n−2 A2 In (Re )
Σ= , E= log . (11)  
Re μ1 Ri − 2n−1 π Ren−2 u 2 (Re ) − Rin−2 u 2 (Ri )

3
 We consider a composite cylinder or a composite In the case of sharp interface, we obtain that A is the
sphere with external radius Re . To complete the solu- constant Ac such that
tion, a boundary condition at r = Ri must be intro- 1 Λo − Λ1
duced. For Ri = 0 we can imposed σ .er (Ri ) = 0. G(E, Γo ) = A2c = Gc,
2 Λo Λ1
We consider here that Ri = 0, then the displacement Λo − Λ1
at this point satisfies u(Ri ) = 0 = u i . A2c = 2G c . (21)
Λo Λ1
For imposed displacement u(Re ) = E Re the condi- As previously, for increasing E, the global response of
tion (14) determines A and the system is solved for any the system is decomposed in three parts.
distribution of λ(r ). With the definition of the displace-
ment at the boundary r = Re , the potential energy is State I Elastic behaviour, A ≤ Ac . The global
reduced to response of the two-phases composite is purely lin-
ear elastic, with modulus λo , μ.
Ren
 
E = π 2n−2 Ren E 2 − 2μ (15) Σ = σrr (Re ) = A − 2n−1 μE,
In (Re ) A
E = n In ,
Re
2.3 The evolution of the sharp interface Rn
where In = e , and A ≤ Ac .
nΛo
State II Propagation of the interface. Now that the
We consider now a two phases-composite, the bound-
interface is moving and during the propagation G =
ary between the sound and partially damaged mater-
G c , then A = Ac is constant, and In takes the value
ial is noted Γo > 0 as previously. When the interface
is moving with velocity Γ˙o = a the potential energy n
Ren
  
changes and the dissipation is determined. For this sys- 1 Γo Λo − Λ1
In (Re , Γo ) = + .
tem, the integral In (Re ) is a function of Γo n Λo Re Λo Λ1
(22)
 Γo r n−1 dr
 Re r n−1 dr
In = + . (16) Then during the propagation, the global response
o Λ1 Γo Λo
of the system is
For given E, A and In satisfies E Ren = Ac In (Re , Γo ),
Σ = Λo Ac − 2n−1 μE.
E Ren = A In . (17)
The relation between Σ and E is linear, and Σ is a
Combining the derivation of In and E relatively to Γo , decreasing function of E.
we find When Γo → 0+ , the results proposed in Stolz (2010)
for the sphere (n = 3) are recovered. For n = 2 we
∂E ∂ In obtain the critical state (E c , Σc ) for the initiation of an
Dm = − a = 2n−2 π A2 a = 2n−1 π G Γ Γon−1 a. infinitesimal defect as a bifurcation point in the case of
∂Γo ∂Γo
the cylinder:
(18)
E c Re2 = Ac I2 (Re , 0+ ), Σc = Λo Ac − 2μE c . (23)
The release rate of energy by unit of area is then defined
as
We consider now a diffuse interface with graded dam-
1 ∂ In age.
GΓ = G(E, Γo ) = A2 . (19)
2 ∂Γo

The normality rule (7) imposes the constant value of 3 A level set based damage model
G Γ during the motion and then
Classical constitutive equations for describing the
∂ In stress-strain relations are considered and the formula-
A2 = 2G c . (20) tion for the damage evolution based on level-set model
∂Γo

4
is used. The model is defined accordingly to the paper
(Stolz and Moës 2012).
The main idea of the model is to consider that dam-
age occurs in a layer of finite thickness l evolving from
0 to lc . Damage is described by a parameter d which
varies from 0 to 1. The boundary between the sound
material and the damaged material is denoted by Γo
which is moving accordingly to the damage evolution.
The surface Γo is the level-set φ(M, t) = 0, where
φ(M, t) is a signed distance function of point M to Γo .
The damage d is considered as a function of the level-
set φ. In the case of cylinder and sphere, the surface Γo
is defined by a radius Ro , and the level set z is defined
by the value of the radius Ro − z.
For a damage constitutive law, the free energy w per
unit of volume depends on the strain ǫ and on a scalar
variable d for the damage: w = w(ǫ, d). The state law
is given by
∂w ∂w
σ = , Y =− , (24)
∂ǫ ∂d
where σ is the stress and Y the local energy release
rate, they are functions of the state variables (ǫ, d). For
instance, we may use a potential of the form
1 parts, the undamaged body Ωo , the zone Ωc of tran-
w(ǫ, d) = ǫ : C(d) : ǫ, (25)
2 sition, the damaged body Ω1 when damage is estab-
then the equations of state are given as
1 ∂C
σ = C(d) : ǫ, Y = − ǫ : : ǫ. (26)
2 ∂d
The driven force Y (ǫ, d) must be finite for any d ∈
[0, 1], this condition of regularity ensures that the dis-
sipation is defined.
The simple form of C(d) is given by choosing C =
d C1 +(1−d) Co or C −1 = d C1−1 +(1−d) Co−1 . When d
increases monotonically from 0 to 1, this describes the
transition between a material of elastic properties Co to
a partially damaged material of elastic properties C1 .
For total damage description C1 = 0. Such behaviours
are generalizations of behaviour considered in Moës
et al. (2011).
The evolution of damage is determined by a dissi-
pation potential D(ḋ) convex function of ḋ such that
D(0) = 0. The driving force Y satisfies the normality
rule
5
D(ḋ) + Y (d ∗ − ḋ) ≤ D(d ∗ ), ∀d ∗ , (27)
∂D
which is equivalent to the relation Y = in the
∂ ḋ
case of a regular potential D. These properties ensure
positive dissipation.
For a domain of reversibility defined by Y − Yc ≤ 0
and a time independent constitutive relation, the nor-
mality rule is expressed as
ḋ ≥ 0, Y − Yc ≤ 0, (Y − Yc )ḋ = 0. (28)
In the case of graded damage this law is modified, to
take into account of the change of the internal parame-
ter. The internal parameter if now the level set φ and
the damage d is an explicit function of φ.
3.1 The graded damage model
The level set φ is introduced as the internal parameter.
The level set φ(M, t) = 0 separates the domain Ω
into a undamaged and a damaged zone, this surface is
denoted Γo . The motion of the surface is defined by the
normal velocity V = a∇φ = aN
The whole body Ω is then decomposed into three
lished. In this case, the boundary ∂Ωc is decomposed
into Γo where d = 0, φ(Mot , t) = 0, and Γ1 where
d = 1, φ(Mt , t) = lc .
In the damaged zone Ωc the variable d is an explicit
continuous function of the level set φ. The damage
increases as the level set value rises :
⎧
⎨d(φ) = 0, φ ≤ 0,
⎪ X ∈ Ωo ,
d ′ (φ) ≥ 0, 0 ≤ φ ≤ lc , X ∈ Ωc , (29)
⎪
d(φ) = 1, φ ≥ lc , X ∈ Ω1 ,
⎩
d ′ (φ) is the derivative of d relatively to φ.
As the damage is a given continuous function of the
signed distance φ to Γo , the evolution of the layer is
then associated to the motion of the surface Γo . This
implies that
φ(M, t) = z = φ(Mo + zN, t) = φ(Mo , t) + z,
M o ∈ Γo ,
0 = φ̇ + a∇φ.N, ∀z.
 where the variations δu satisfy the boundary conditions
δu = 0 over ∂Ωu . By integration by parts equations of
equilibrium are recovered

divσ = 0, n.σ = Td , over ∂ΩT . (32)

Evolution of the layer The variations of E are then

reduced to those with respect to φ

∂E
.δa = − Y d ′ (φ) δa dΩ
∂φ Ωc

Fig. 1 Local geometry of the layer =− G Γ (s)δa(s) ds,
Γo
dΩ = det (I − zκ)dz ds = jdz ds,
3.2 The problem of equilibrium
where κ is the curvature. The release rate of energy G Γ
Consider a body Ω. The external boundary ∂Ω is appears associated to the motion of the layer
decomposed into two parts : ∂Ωu where the displace-  l
ment u is prescribed ud (t) and ∂ΩT where the loading G Γ (s) = Y d ′ (φ) j dφ. (33)
Td (t) is applied; ∂Ω = ∂Ωu ∪ ∂ΩT , ∅ = ∂Ωu ∩ ∂ΩT . o
The total potential energy E is a function of (u, φ)
This defines the variation of the energy when the layer
  is moving. The thickness at time t is l(t) less than lc .
E(u, φ) = w(ǫ(u), d(φ)) dΩ − Td .u ds, The description is valid from the initiation of the layer
Ω ∂ΩT from zero-thickness to a finite thickness lc .
(30) To define the evolution of the system, we need a link
between the driven force G(s) and the velocity a(s).
ǫ(u) is the strain, symmetric part of ∇u. The displace-
ment u satisfies the boundary conditions on ∂Ωu : On the evolution law We propose now an evolution
u = ud . law to determine the value of velocity a. Consider the
normality rule (28). From integration of (Y − Yc )ḋ = 0
over the thickness l = 0 we get
Continuity conditions (CC) The displacement u, the
stress vectors σ .n, the modulus C(d) are continuous
 l  l 
′ ′
functions on the surface Γo . Then the gradient of the Y d (φ) jdφ − Yc d (φ) jdφ a = 0. (34)
o o
displacement and the free energy are continuous func-
tions along each iso-φ surface and inside the layer. This provides a normality law on G(s)
These properties imply that the velocity u̇ is also con-
tinuous. Therefore virtual variations of the displace- (G Γ (s)−G c (s))a = 0, a ≥ 0, G Γ (s)−G c (s) ≤ 0.
ment and of the moving surface φ = 0 are uncoupled
(35)
(Fig. 1).
The solution of the problem of equilibrium is deter- l
For l > 0, o d ′ (φ) j dφ is positive, we can introduce
mined by the solution of minimization of the potential
the notation <F>:
energy. Then, for a state of equilibrium, the variations
of the total potential with respect to u are zero l
o Fd ′ (φ) j dφ
<F> = l
, (36)
  o d ′ (φ) j dφ
∂E
.δu = σ : ǫ(δu) dΩ − Td .δu ds = 0,
∂u Ω ∂ΩT with this driving force Y the normality rule is rewritten
(31) as

6
 1 x 1−x
W (Σ, x) = − L Σ 2( + ). (39)
2 E2 E1

Differentiation of the energy at equilibrium with

respect to the motion of interface is
 
∂W 1 1 1
Fig. 2 A sharp interface G Γ (Σ) = − = Σ2 − , (40)
∂Γ 2 E2 E1

(< Y > −Yc )a = 0, a ≥ 0, < Y > −Yc ≤ 0. consequently the dissipation is

(37)
Dm = G Γ (Σ)Γ˙ . (41)

As shown in Stolz and Moës (2012), taking account of
(36) and (37) the initiation of the layer occurs when
Y (X, t) = Yc . After initiation, the thickness l of the
layer evolves from 0 to lc . The surface φ = lc is the
surface defined by d(x, t) = 1. The transition from
d = 0 to d = 1 along the normal vector ∇φ is smooth.
This approach in essentially non-local, but here the non-
locality is restricted to the layer. Any classical consti-
tutive law described by w(ǫ, d) can be used.
To study the evolution of a system under a load-
ing history, we need two functions C(d) and d(φ) or
C(φ) and d(φ), because d(φ) is a continuous increas-
ing function of φ.
4 Comparison of sharp and layer model
The speed Γ˙ = a is determined by the normality law
a ≥ 0, G Γ − G c ≤ 0, (G Γ − G c )a = 0. (42)
The velocity a will be positive if the consistency con-
dition G Γ − G c = 0 is satisfied. This condition deter-
mines the critical value of Σ from (40):

2G c E 1 E 2
Σc = . (43)
E1 − E2
Initially the bar is composed of material 1 only.
Assuming that initial conditions are x(0+ ) = 0 and
u(L , 0+ ) = 0. Prescribing the displacement at point
X = L, the total strain of the bar is Δ(t) and satisfies
the global constitutive law

4.1 Some results on a straight bar u(L , t) − u(0, t)


x 1−x

Δ(t) = =Σ + .
L E2 E1
To understand the effect of the curvature, we recall (44)
previous results obtained on a bar in Stolz and Moës
(2012). A bar of length L is considered. This bar is
The response of the bar is given by
made of two linear elastic materials and is submitted to ⎧
pure tension. The Young modulus of the sound material Σc
⎪
⎪ Δ ≤ Δc = , Σ = E 1 Δ, x = 0,
E1
⎪
is E 1 and for the damaged material the Young modulus ⎪
⎪
⎨Σ
c E1 E2
is E 2 (Fig. 2). ≥ Δ ≥ Δc , Σ = Σc , ẋ = Δ̇ ,
At point X = L, the applied tension is Σ. At point
⎪ E 2 Σ c (E 1 − E2 )
Σ
⎪
⎩Δ ≥ c,
⎪
⎪
X = 0, displacement is u(0) = 0. The position of
⎪ Σ = E 2 Δ, x = 1.
E2
the interface is denoted Γ . We consider that a fraction
x = Γ /L of the bar is transformed. The equilibrium
and constitutive laws give: 4.2 A model with a moving layer

σ = E 1 ǫ1 = E 2 ǫ2 = Σ. (38) The free energy w for uniaxial response is

1
And the total potential energy is w(ǫ, d) = E(d)ǫ 2 , (45)
2

7
 The function E(d) must ensure that Y is finite. Then
dE
is finite.
dd
The motion of the level-set φ(X, t) = 0 is given by
the velocity φ̇ = a(s), the total dissipation is finally
expressed as

 l
Σ2

a dE ′
Dm = − d (φ)dφ = G(l, Σ)a,
2 o 2E 2 (d) dd
(49)
Fig. 3 The propagation of a layer

where the release rate of energy G(l, Σ) is

where d varies from 0 to 1, the Young modulus E(d) is a  
continuous function of d, then there is no discontinuity 1 2 1 1
G(l, Σ) = Σ − . (50)
at d = 0. 2 E(d(l)) E(0)
On Fig. 3, φ(X, t) = Γ (t) − X and the value of the
damage parameter is given by When l = lc , we recover the expression of the sharp
interface. The value of the energy release rate G(lc , Σ)
⎧ doesn’t depend on the distribution of E(d).
⎨ φ(X, t) ≤ 0, d(φ) = 0,
We study now the case of cylinder under longitudinal
0 ≤ φ(X, t) ≤ lc , d(φ) = φ/lc , (46)
shear and cylinder and sphere in radial expansion.
φ(X, t) ≥ lc , d(φ) = 1.
⎩

The damage parameter d is an increasing function of 4.3 The longitudinal shear

the distance φ to the boundary Γ separating the sound
material to the damaged one. Generally, the function We consider a damage law defined as
d(φ) is a given continuous function of φ. As the Young
modulus E is a continuous function of d and for com- 1 d 1−d
parison with the sharp interface, it is natural to consider = + . (51)
μ μ1 μo
the matching conditions E(0) = E 1 and E(1) = E 2 .
Initially Γ (t) = 0 and the propagation of the layer The local driving force is then
begins at the origin of the bar, so the thickness Γ (t) =
l(t) is smaller than lc . The thickness increases to lc 1 τ2 1 C 2 μo − μ1
 
∂
and after this step of initialization, the thickness is kept Y =− = (52)
∂d 2μ 2 r 2 μo μ1
constant.
For the given constitutive laws, the dissipation is Here we consider the damage law d(φ) = φ/lc .
local and only due to damage dm = Y ḋ. Integrating Initially there is no damaged zone, the local response
over the layer we get the total dissipation due to damage is purely elastic. The maximum value of Y is obtained
inside the bar: at surface Ri . When the critical value Yc is reached,
the damage zone appears, the thickness of the layer
 l
increases to attain the final value lc and then the layer
Dm = Y ḋ dφ. (47)
o propagates inside the volume Ωo with the constant
thickness lc .
Assuming that d is a continuous function of φ. To simplify the analysis, we consider C as the
Using the constitutive law, the local driving force Y loading parameter, the damage zone appears when
is Y (Ri , C) = Yc this defines the critical value τc
−1
Σ2 d E

1 dE 2 μo − μ1
Y =− ǫ =− 2 . (48) τc2 = 2Yc Ri2 /Re2 (53)
2 dd 2E (d) dd μo μ1

8
 We define now the dissipation during the different and the normality rule implies during for state
state of the evolution, we consider the damage function
1 2 
Dm = π Yc Re − (Γo − lc )2 (61)
φ 1 lc
d(φ) = , d′ = (54)
lc lc
Final state When the transformation is complete,
During initiation of the layer Then damage zone the behaviour is those of a elastic system with mod-
appears at r = Ri and the dissipation is given by ulus μ1 .
the variation of the potential energy relatively to the
Taking account of the normality rule, the global
motion of Γo , then φ = Γo − r, Ri ≤ r ≤ Γo . The
response is now determined. For increasing E or C
value of J is
we have successively
 Γo dr

dr
J (Γo ) = + , (55) State I The response is purely elastic until the value
Ri r μ(r ) Γo r μo Y (Ri ) ≤ Yc , then

and the dissipation is given by C C Re

τ (Re ) = , u(Re ) = log . (62)
Re μo Ri
C 2 μo − μ1
 
Γo
Dm = π log a = 2π Γo G Γ a. This is the solution until τ (Re ) ≤ τc .
lc μo μ1 Ri
(56) State II Initiation of the layer. The damage zone
evolves accordingly to the normality rule, then
For this state the normality rule implies
μo − μ1 Γo
C2 log = Yc (Γo2 − Ri2 ), (63)
 Γo π Yc 2 μo μ1 Ri
Dm = 2π Yc d ′r dr a = (Γo − Ri2 ). (57)
Ri lc and the global response is

During propagation of the layer The damage is τ (Re ) = C/Re ,

 
defined in the layer (Γo − lc ≤ r ≤ Γo ) and μo − μ1 C Γo
u(Re ) = Γo log − Γo + R i
φ = Γo − r , the value of J becomes μo μ1 lc Ri
 Γo −lc
dr
 Γo
dr
 Re
dr C Re
J= + + . + log .
r μ1 r μ(r ) r μo μo Ri
Ri Γo −lc Γo
(58) Knowing the position of the layer, the response of
the system is determined.
and the dissipation is reduced to
State III Propagation of the layer. In this case Re ≥
Γo ≥ Ri + lc , the normality rule gives the relation
C 2 μo − μ1
 
Γo
Dm = π log a. (59)  
lc μo μ1 Γo − l c 2 μo − μ1 Γo
C log
μo μ1 Γo − l c
And the normality rule implies
 
= Yc Γo − (Γo − lc )2 ,
2
 Γo
Dm = 2π Yc d ′ dr a and during this step
Γo −lc
π Yc  2  τ (Re ) = C/Re ,
= Γo − (Γo − lc )2 a.  
lc C Re μo − μ1 Γo −lc
u(Re ) = log +C log −1
When Re + lc ≥ Γo ≥ Re . In this case μo Ri μo μ1 Ri
μo − μ1 Γo Γo − l c
−C log .
∂J πC 2 μo − μ1 Re μo μ1 lc Γo
Dm = πC 2 = log ,
∂Γo lc μo μ1 Γo − l c It can be noticed that when lc /Γo tends to 0, the
(60) response of the sharp interface is recover. This can be

9
Fig. 4 The response of the cylinder under longitudinal shear:
sharp interface (dashed curve) and graded damage (dotted curve)
Fig. 5 The response of the cylinder and the sphere under radial
loading

interpreted into two manners, for fixed Γo when the

thickness of the layer tends to zero, the diffuse inter- and then
face tends to the sharp interface, when lc is fixed, if the
radius Γo of the moving layer grows, the sharp interface Λo − Λ1 2
A = Yc , (66)
is recovered (Fig. 4). Λo Λ1
There is a great difference with the response of the
bar, the dissipation and the response depends on the the parameter A is constant. The value Ac determines
relation μ(d), d(φ). For the bar it has been shown that the critical strain E c
the dissipation does not depend on the distribution of 
Yc

the Young modulus in the layer, when the thickness lc
Ac =  E c = Ac In (Re , 0)/Ren . (67)

,
is reached. This point emphasizes the influence of the  Λo − Λ1
curvature on the response in the case of diffuse damage. Λo Λ1

With this relation, the global response is determined.

4.4 The cylinder and the sphere under radial loading
Σ = A − 2n−1 μE,
We consider the same damage law d(φ) = φ/lc and In (Γo )
E= A .
the distribution of the modulus of the form Ren
After an elastic response until E ≤ E c , the global stress
1 d 1−d
= + . (64) decreases linearly with the imposed strain E as plotted
Λ(r ) Λ1 Λo
on Fig. 5.
During the initiation of the layer, the integral In must When the layer reaches the thickness lc , the layer
be evaluated moves inside Ωo keeping this thickness constant.
Ren Λo − Λ1 Γon+1 − (Γo − lc )n+1
 Re r n−1 dr Ren Λo − Λ1 Γon+1 In (Γo ) = + .
In = = + , nΛo Λo Λ1 lc n(n + 1)
0 Λ(r ) Λo n Λo Λ1 n(n + 1)lc (68)
(65)
The relation on the dissipation gives the constrain
and then during this step the dissipation must satisfies Λo − Λ1 n−2 Γon − (Γo − lc )n
Dm = A 2 2 π
the relation Λo Λ1 lc n
2 n  Γo n−1  Γo
r n−1 dr
n−1 Λo − Λ1 A Γo n−1 r
= π 2n−1 Yc . (69)
Dm = 2 π = π 2 Yc dr.
Λo Λ1 n lc 0 lc Γo −lc lc

10
Then after simplification 5 Conclusion

Λo − Λ1 We have analysed a new approach on damage evolution

A2 = 2Yc . (70)
Λo Λ1 based on the notion of level set and moving layer. The
initiation of damage and its evolution are presented in
During this phase, the parameter A keeps a constant the same framework as it has been proved in Pradeilles-
value. We recover exactly the response of the sharp Duval and Stolz (1995), Stolz and Moës (2012).
interface. For the definition of Λ(d) and whatever is Comparisons with the evolution of a sharp interface
d(φ) it is obvious that we have the same solution when are made. For particular distribution of the modulus
the layer is moving with constant thickness lc . It is due with respect to the level-set and particular laws of dam-
on the fact that age, the global response of the system could be the same
 Γo as those obtained by considering a sharp interface.
∂ In Λo − Λ1
= d ′ (φ)r n−1 dr, (71) The dissipation and the thermodynamical forces for
∂Γo Λo Λ1 Γo −lc motion of the layer depend on the local shape of the
layer, in particular on its curvature.
and the dissipation during the propagation is
∂ In
Dm = 2n−2 π A2 a
∂Γo References
 Γo
= 2n−1 π Yc d ′ (φ)r n−1 dr a. Abeyaratne R, Knowles J (1990) On the driving traction acting
Γo −lc on a surface of strain discontinuities in a continuum. J Mech
The relation (70) is recovered. Phys Solids 38:345–360
Bui H, Ehrlacher A (1980) Propagation dynamique d’une zone
This result is essentially due to the choice of Λ(d). If,
endommagée dans un solide élastique fragile en mode III
for the same function d(φ), we choose Λ(d) = Λ1 d + et en régime permanent. C R Acad Sci Paris B Sci Phys
Λo (1 − d), during the propagation of the layer when 290:273–276
l = lc , we have Gurtin ME, Podio-Guiugli P (1996) Configurational forces and
the basic laws for crack propagation. J Mech Phys Solids
  44:905–927
Γo −r Γo −r r Moës N, Stolz C, Bernard P, Chevaugeon N (2011) A level
Λ(r ) = Λ1 +Λo 1 − = Λ M +ΔΛ .
lc lc lc set based model for damage growth: the thick level set
approach. Int J Numer Methods Eng 86(3):358–380
(72)
Pradeilles-Duval RM, Stolz C (1991) On the evolution of solids
in the presence of irreversible phase transformation. C R
In this case, for the cylinder Acad Sci Paris Sér II 313:297–302
Pradeilles-Duval RM, Stolz C (1995) Mechanical transformation
(Γo − lc )2 R 2 − Γo2 l2 Λ M lc2 Λo and discontinuities along a moving surface. J Mech Phys
I2 = + e + c − log .
2Λ1 2Λo ΔΛ ΔΛ2 Λ1 Solids 43:91–121
Son Q, Pradeilles R, Stolz C (1989) On a regularized propagation
The relation taking account of the normality rule is law in fracture and brittle damage. C R Acad Sci Paris Sér
changed into II 309:1515–1520
Stolz C (2007) Bifurcation of equilibrium solutions and defects
nucleation. Int J Fract 147:103–107
 
2 Λo − Λ1 lc Λo
A Γo + = 2Yc Γo . (73) Stolz C (2010) Thermodynamical description of running discon-
Λo Λ1 Λ1 ΔΛ tinuities: application to friction and wear. Entropy 12:1418–
1439
Then the influence of the thickness of the layer is Stolz C, Moës N (2012) A new model of damage: a moving thick
emphasised and the sharp interface is recovered when layer approach. Int J Fract 174:49–60
lc
tends to zero.
Γo
This shows that on contrary to the bar, when the
layer is moving with a finite thickness the curvature
1/Γo have a influence.

11