Geometrically nonlinear and consistently linearized embedded strong discontinuity models for 3D problems with an application to the dissection analysis of soft biological tissues. (Q1430649)

The authors model the bulk material by a free-energy function suitable for describing anisotropic mechanical responses within the finite strain domain. To describe the relationship between the bulk material and the traction acting at the discontinuity, the authors propose a cohesive material model capturing transversely isotropic responses. They assume that all inelastic deformation takes place at the displacement discontinuity. Hence, the traction vector is given in terms of the gap displacement, the spatial normal vector and a scalar damage variable. In contrast to previous studies, where the parameters representing the discontinuity were treated as global variables, the authors follow the more established concept of static condensation in order to achieve a generalized displacement model. They present three types of finite element models with embedded discontinuities, which are based on so-called statically optimal symmetric, kinematically optimal symmetric and statically and kinematically optimal non-symmetric formulations, and use constant-strain tetrahedral elements.