A Cohesive Finite Element Formulation Using the Finite Cell Method

Abstract

This report was generated as result of the UROP program at the University of Min- nesota. It provides a brief introduction to the finite element method and presents in detail the formulation of cohesive zone models for the use within traditional finite element geometry meshes. The cohesive zone model created is then implemented within the finite cell method to probe it's fea- sibility to accurately model delamination and fracture of complex geometries typically seen within voxel representations obtained from medical imaging technologies. Several benchmarks tests are then used to verify the accuracy of the model created including an embedded circle subjected to a standard pull test.