Work

Matrix-free phase-field modeling of fracture in micromechanical testing simulations of inelastic materials

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Resolving steep damage gradients across diffuse cracks in the phase-field modeling of fracture favors the use of high-order finite elements, for which matrix-free methods can provide superior performance and scalability. Here, we implement the Peric & Dettmer constitutive framework for visco-elastoplastic materials in an open source solid mechanics library supporting matrix-free operators for high-order finite elements with p-multigrid preconditioning on GPUs. We introduce a rheological fracture element assembled in series with the Peric & Dettmer block, keeping fracture and inelastic material properties mutually independent. We conduct numerical simulations of tensile and compressive quasistatic tests on synthetic particle-matrix microstructures using an El Capitan high-performance computing prototype. The results reproduce representative inelastic responses and fracture patterns, including X-shaped cracking observed in polymer-bonded explosives and cup-and-cone fracture in ductile metals.

Source: arXiv (Cornell University)

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2607.21150

Authors: Di Gioacchino, Fabio, Shakeri, Rezgar, Atkins, Zachary, Stengel, Karen, Ghaffari, Layla, Thompson, Jeremy, Brown, Jed

Institutions: University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado System

Language: English

Topic: Numerical methods in engineering

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration

Awards: G2178118504, TO SIMULATE TO STIMULATE WITH QUANTIFIED UNCERTAINTY, FROM PORE-PARTICLE-TO-CONTINUUMSCALES, A CLASS OF PROBLEMS INVOLVING GRANULAR FLOWS, LARGE DEFORMATIONS, AND FRACTURE/FRAGMENTATION OF UNBONDED AND BONDED PARTICULATE MATERIALS.

OpenAlex ID: W7170418940

Cites: 86

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Related to: 10