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Path-following methods for phase-field simulation of quasi-static crack propagation
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DOI：10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2026.113974.png)
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Abstract
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The variational approach to fracture, particularly through its regularization as a phase-field model, has become a widely used tool for simulating the quasi-static propagation of cracks in structures. However, classic incremental loading can induce unstable crack growth, violating the quasi-static assumption, and in some cases, leads to a loss of force balance, preventing self-consistency and the estimation of dissipated energy during snapback instabilities. To address this challenge, path-following methods are investigated. Their aim is to adjust the applied load so that it stays at the propagation threshold, thereby preserving the quasi-static assumption and ensuring equilibrium solutions. In this work, we apply and evaluate multiple path-following methods within the framework of variational phase-field fracture models, which are developed to regularize linear elastic variational sharp crack evolution problems. Our study pursues two objectives. First, we review several existing path-following methods, with a focus on partitioned strategies based on the displacement field, which decouple the path-following control equation from the rest of the system, facilitating easier integration with staggered solvers. In addition, we introduce a new path-following method whose particularity is to limit the maximum strain increment outside the cracked regions. Second, we use the Gamma-convergence to the sharp crack model to evaluate these methods across three crack propagation problems of increasing complexity. The comparison demonstrates that the proposed path-following method offers a simple yet highly effective approach to capture the equilibrium path in phase-field fracture simulations. This method robustly maintains the quasi-static assumption, ensuring physically meaningful results. By enabling accurate estimation of the energy dissipated during snapback instabilities, it paves the way for the rational design of more resistant heterogeneous materials.
Keywords:
Path-following methods
Linear elastic fracture mechanics
Variational Griffith phase-field model
Quasi-static crack propagation
Snap-back instability
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