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Cohesive fracture models: Variational approximation via phase-field functionals, and softening law reconstruction

by Prof. Matteo Focardi

This is my image.
This is my image.
This is my image.

09:00-10:00 Friday, 4 April 2025
Auditorium, Rectorate



Abstract

Variational theories for cohesive fracture models hinge on free discontinuity energies having surface densities that are bounded and concave functions of the jump amplitude. Their phase-field approximation using Ambrosio and Tortorelli type functionals has been extensively studied both analytically and numerically in the last few years.

I will first discuss some recent developments on the latter problem (and related issues). Building upon such an analysis, then I will address the question of how to construct the phase-field model in order to assign a (suitable) cohesive law as surface energy density in the Gamma-limit.

The talk is based on joint works with Sergio Conti and Flaviana Iurlano, and with Roberto Alessi and Francesco Colasanto.