Modeling quasi-static crack growth with the extended finite element method. I: Computer implementation (Q1434699)

[For part II see \textit{R. Huang} and the authors, ibid. 26, 7539--7552 (2003; Zbl 1064.74163).] The authors demonstrate a simple and robust means to model the discontinuous fields within an existing finite element program. The methodology adopted for modeling crack discontinuities falls within the extended finite element method, which is a particular case of the partition of unity method. Here the implementation for crack modeling in isotropic and bimaterial media is described. Issues pertaining to the selection of nodes for enrichment, computation of enrichment functions, array-allocation for the enriched nodal degrees of freedom, mesh-geometry interactions, and assembly of the global stiffness matrix and external force vector were adressed as well.