Modelling of crack propagation in strongly anisotropic media using phase-field fracture and LEFM

This research-oriented project framework provides implementation support for modeling crack propagation in strongly anisotropic media, with a particular focus on components fabricated via additive manufacturing. Due to the complex microstructures inherent in 3D-printed materials, fracture toughness exhibits significant directional dependency, complicating traditional failure predictions. To address these challenges, this study outlines a comparative methodology integrating strongly anisotropic phase-field fracture models with Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) principles. Specifically, the framework guides the numerical simulation of complex crack propagation phenomena, including crack path bifurcation and directional deviation. The evaluation utilizes the Generalization of the Maximum Energy Release Rate criterion to validate the phase-field results against classical LEFM benchmarks. By structuring the

computational modeling of anisotropic degradation, this project direction assists researchers in evaluating the structural integrity and mechanical reliability of advanced manufactured parts. The guidance focuses on the formulation of energy degradation functions, directional toughness interpolation, and the numerical implementation of coupled displacement-phase field equations, offering a systematic pathway for validating fracture behavior in highly oriented material systems.

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