A spectral method for three-dimensional elastodynamic fracture problems (Q1358880)

We present a numerical formulation for three-dimensional elastodynamic problems of fracture on planar cracks and faults. Stress and displacement components are given by a spectral representation as finite Fourier series in space coordinates parallel to the fracture plane. The formulation is based on an exact representation involving a convolution integral for each Fourier mode, and on the elastodynamic relation existing between the time-dependent Fourier coefficients for the tractions acting on the fracture plane and for the resulting displacement discontinuities. Efficiency of the code is achieved by using an explicit time integration scheme and by computing the conversion between the spatial and spectral distributions through a fast Fourier transform algorithm.