A Gradient-Enhanced Damage Model with a New Equivalent Strain Based on the Menétrey-Willam Function

A new gradient-enhanced damage model is developed based on a new equivalent strain. This new equivalent strain is derived using the Menétrey-Willam yield function. The proposed model is implemented in a three-dimensional framework via 10-node tetrahedral element. Excessive spread of damage observed in the gradient-enhanced model is prevented by adopting a novel variable and anistropic nonlocal length scale. Performance of the model is investigated by comparing a wide variety of benchmark examples used in the literature. Obtained results show that proposed model is able to characterize the complex stress states, such as mixed-mode fracturing and nonplanar cracking as well as tensile-dominated fracturing.