The interaction between strain-softening and time-dependent behaviour is analysed in the case of quasi-static fracture. A fractional order rate law is coupled with a micromecanical model for the fracture process zone. In this way, a whole range of dissipative mechanisms…
The interaction between strain-softening and time-dependent behaviour is analysed in the case of quasi-static fracture. A fractional order rate law is coupled with a micromecanical model for the fracture process zone. In this way, a whole range of dissipative mechanisms is included in a single viscous element. This problem is analised through the finite element method and the cohesive (or fictitious) crack model. The comparison with creep tests executed on prenotched beams shows a good agreement.