Simulation of cracks in wood using a coupled material model for interface elements

Abstract

Abstract A three-dimensional anisotropic material model is presented that is applicable in combination with interface elements for simulation of the behavior of timber structures loaded in shear and tension perpendicular to the wood fibers. The material model can predict the stresses derived from the three-dimensional state of deformation. Determination of the algorithmic material tangent is shown. Computation of a stress component results from deformation in all directions. Furthermore, a damage model is implemented to simulate cyclic loading that yields a realistic unloading function for a cracked structure. In this case, a continuous-differentiable material formulation guarantees a robust path-following algorithm. A basic example is used to demonstrate the capability of the model to simulate the behavior of timber structures realistically and underlines the need for further research.