Abstract：The combination of finite deformation element and virtual joint element is introduced to simulate the failure process of quasi-brittle materials. First, based on accurate finite deformation theory, with the second Piola-Kirchhoff stress and Green-Lagrange strain as the energy conjugate stress and strain, the stiffness matrix of virtual joint element is derived; then, correctness and rationality of the virtual joint element is verified using an numerical example and the height range of the element is given after the comparison between the numerical results with and without the joint element; finally, the method is used to simulate the crack propagation of a concrete three-point beam, the result is consistent with that of document. The method proposed in the paper provides a new approach for the numerical simulation of failure process of structures.
2011, Vol. 32 
