The Thick Level-Set model for dynamic fragmentation

Abstract The Thick Level-Set (TLS) model is implemented to simulate brittle media undergoing dynamic fragmentation. This non-local model is discretized by the finite element method with damage represented as a continuous field over the domain. A level-set function defines the extent and severity of damage, and a length scale is introduced to limit the damage gradient. Numerical studies of one-dimensional problems demonstrate that the proposed method reproduces the rate-dependent energy dissipation and fragment length observations from analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches. Additional studies emphasize the importance of appropriate bulk constitutive models and sufficient spatial resolution of the length scale.