Cutting and Fracturing Models without Remeshing

A finite element simulation framework for cutting and fracturing model without remeshing is presented. The main idea of proposed method is adding a discontinuous function for the standard approximation to account for the crack. A feasible technique is adopted for dealing with multiple cracks and intersecting cracks. Several involved problems including extended freedoms of finite element nodes as well as mass matrix calculation are discussed. The presented approach is easy to simulate object deformation while changing topology. Moreover, previous methods developed in standard finite element framework, such as the stiffness warping method, can be extended and utilized.