We propose an approach to the simulation of the shear-tensile transition in dynamic crack growth based on two points: a new crack propagation criterion which is suitable for shear, and an algorithm which is capable of handling the transition from shear mode to tensile mode and back in the same simulation. The new crack propagation criterion for brittle crack growth is based on the maximum shear stress rather than the maximum hoop stress. The shear stress direction becomes the new crack’s direction in which propagation is initiated for shear-type failure. The stress state at the crack’s tip is obtained through a local approach which can be used even in the case of extensive plasticity. Additionally, we propose to control the transition from shear mode to tensile mode during the simulation of crack propagation using an equivalent strain estimated at the crack’s tip. Depending on a threshold strain, the propagation direction is predicted using the maximum shear stress (in the shear case) or the maximum hoop stress (in the tensile case).
