TRIGGERING OF XFEM ON A MICROSTRUCTURAL LEVEL

[Rose-Ama]

Hi, I have a question related to XFEM in MOOSE. I am working on the triggering of crack on the ITZ phase in concrete. In my input file in moose, I have been able to restrict the xfem user object to my itz block, however, this does not seem to do anything. To take things a step further, I decide to introduce the cohesive traction zone so maybe I could apply it directly on the itz boundary but this does not seem to work too. My crack keeps propagating through the other phases(as seen in the image attached). I would appreciate your solution

[GiudGiud]

@bwspenc or @hugary1995

@Rose-Ama what is the context for this study? If you could please also share your affiliation

[hugary1995]

I don't think our XFEM implementation supports block restriction.

To take things a step further, I decide to introduce the cohesive traction zone so maybe I could apply it directly on the itz boundary but this does not seem to work too.

CZM should work though, as long as you only define the ITZ interface.

[Rose-Ama]

with czm, can i visualize the crack just like the image above?

[hugary1995]

Yes. And now that I look at your image more closely, it seems that you are not using the MOOSE XFEM clip plugin in paraview. The plugin will help you correctly visualize the partial elements.

[Rose-Ama]

How can I tell if I am using this plugin or not?

[GiudGiud]

you ll need to install it then select it in paraview
https://github.com/idaholab/XFEMParaviewPlugin

[Rose-Ama]

Is this what you mean?