Loaded crack surfaces in two and three dimensions with XFEM

A numerical framework in two and three dimensions is proposed for crack propagation induced by loaded crack surfaces. The method is based on the XFEM with a hybrid explicit-implicit crack description. The load on the crack surface is given on the explicit surface mesh and transferred to the zero-level set of the implicit description. Therefore, integration points must be identified on the zero-level set which are also used to determine stress intensity factors by crack opening displacements. A crack propagation model is developed where the load factor of the crack surface loading is determined such that the criterion for crack propagation is met. Numerical results show the versatility and success of the approach.