Phase-field modelling of moisture-induced fracture in wood
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Contributors
Abstract
This study presents a numerical investigation of the brittle fracture behaviour of wood, focusing on moisture-induced cracking and water transport phenomena. A multi-FICKEAN approach is employed to model two distinct phases of water — bound water and water vapour — coupled through sorption processes. To accurately describe water transport in the presence of cracks, the discontinuous REYNOLDS transport theorem is utilized. Building on this framework, a novel hygromechanical Representative Crack Element is introduced to model both water transport and hygromechanical coupling in cracked wood. The proposed model is validated through three representative numerical examples, demonstrating its capability to capture anisotropic fracture, mixed-mode failure, and the interplay between moisture transport and mechanical behaviour. This work provides a robust framework for understanding and predicting moisture-induced fracture in wood, with potential applications in structural engineering and material science.
Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 111415 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Journal | Engineering Fracture Mechanics |
| Volume | 326 |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Sept 2025 |
| Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
| ORCID | /0000-0001-5522-611X/work/188859894 |
|---|---|
| ORCID | /0000-0002-6115-6493/work/188860279 |
| Scopus | 105011146915 |