Dynamic crack propagation in elasto-plastic materials using phase-field virtual modelling method

In modern engineering, dynamic fracture failure because of unexpected load or human faults may lead to catastrophic disasters. Preventive structure design and real-time maintain suggestions based on accurate numerical simulation are critical, especially when plasticity develops. It remains a challenge to efficiently model dynamic crack propagation in elasto-plastic materials while the uncertain factors in service life may significantly increase the difficulty. In this paper, a phase-field virtual modelling method (PFVM), based on the features of the novel extended support vector regression (X-SVR) method, is proposed to tackle this non-deterministic problem. The phase field method is adopted for its outstanding performance in complex fracture problems, which provides solid reference data for the virtual model's training and verification. The PFM application to dynamic elasto-plastic fracture problems is validated in two practical engineering examples. The integrated virtual modelling technique is then proven capable of instantly providing precise crack propagation prediction under multiple complex uncertainties, making up-to-date numerical dynamic fracture simulation achievable and affordable. The proposed PFVM method can minimize the contradiction between accurate modelling and high computational cost and can be utilized in various extensions like sensitivity analysis or design optimization.