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Two-Dimensional Computer Modeling Of Joints And Fractures In Continua, Royd R. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a numerical formulation which incorporates the effects of joints, cracks, and fractures into a mathematical mode used to in an existing finite element code. Two separate crack definitions were incorporated, one involving a discrete crack model, and the other a continuum approach defining a new material with regularly spaced joints. Several examples are also presented demonstrating the use of this capability.