PSI - Issue 79

Umberto De Maio et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 79 (2026) 386–393

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4. Conclusions In this paper, an advanced numerical methodology for simulating crack initiation and propagation in multiphase materials has been presented. The proposed approach effectively integrates an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation with an adaptive cohesive interface model. This synergy allows for the dynamic alignment of the finite element mesh with the predicted crack path and the subsequent insertion of cohesive elements along element boundaries, crucially eliminating the need for explicit re-meshing procedures. Fracture processes are captured using cohesive interfaces governed by a traction-separation law, suitable for complex failure mechanisms, while crack propagation directions are determined via a revised version of the J-integral method sensitive to material heterogeneity. The model's capabilities were demonstrated through the simulation of crack propagation in multiphase mortar specimens containing distinct granite inclusions under three-point bending. A mesh sensitivity analysis was initially performed, confirming that the proposed ALE-driven model yields a consistent and robust global structural response across different levels of discretization. However, the results also highlighted that accurate resolution of the local crack path geometry necessitates adequate mesh refinement within the critical fracture process zone. Subsequently, the model was validated by comparing the predicted Load-CMOD curve against the reference results from (Choi et al., 2025), showing an excellent agreement with both the experimental and the numerical test during the U. De Maio, F. Greco, and A. Silvestri gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Next Generation EU – Italian NRRP, Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.5, call for the creation and strengthening of ’Innovation Ecosystems’, building ’Territorial R&D Leaders’(Directorial Decree n. 021/3277) - project Tech4You – Technologies for climate change adaptation and quality of life improvement, n. ECS0000009. References Álvarez, D., Blackman, B.R.K., Guild, F.J., Kinloch, A.J., 2014. Mode I fracture in adhesively-bonded joints: A mesh-size independent modelling approach using cohesive elements. Engineering Fracture Mechanics 115, 73–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2013.10.005 Amini, M.R., Shahani, A.R., 2013. Finite element simulation of dynamic crack propagation process using an arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation. Fatigue Fract Eng Mat Struct 36, 533–547. https://doi.org/10.1111/ffe.12023 Ammendolea, D., Fabbrocino, F., Leonetti, L., Lonetti, P., Pascuzzo, A., 2025a. 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