Computational Insights into Orthotropic Fracture: Crack-Tip Fields in Strain-Limiting Materials under Non-Uniform Loads

Abstract

A finite element framework is presented for analyzing crack-tip phenomena in transversely isotropic, strain-limiting elastic materials. Mechanical response is characterized by an algebraically nonlinear constitutive model, relating stress to linearized strain. Non-physical strain singularities at the crack apex are mitigated, ensuring bounded strain magnitudes. This methodology significantly advances boundary value problem (BVP) formulation, especially for first-order approximate theories. For a transversely isotropic elastic solid with a crack, the governing equilibrium equation, derived from linear momentum balance and the nonlinear constitutive model, is reduced to a second-order, vector-valued, quasilinear elliptic BVP. This BVP is solved using a robust numerical scheme combining Picard-type linearization with a continuous Galerkin finite element method for spatial discretization. Numerical results are presented for various loading conditions, including uniform tension, non-uniform slope, and parabolic loading, with two distinct material fiber orientations. It is demonstrated that crack-tip strain growth is substantially lower than stress growth. Nevertheless, strain-energy density is found to be concentrated at the crack tip, consistent with linear elastic fracture mechanics principles. The proposed framework provides a robust basis for formulating physically meaningful, rigorous BVPs, critical for investigating fundamental processes like crack propagation, damage, and nucleation in anisotropic, strain-limiting elastic solids under diverse loading conditions.