A novel boundary integrated neural networks for in plane fracture mechanics analysis of elastic and piezoelectric materials

Abstract: In this study, we propose a novel approach, termed boundary integrated neural networks (BINNs), for analyzing in-plane crack problems within the framework of linear elastic fracture mechanics. The proposed approach integrates artificial neural networks (ANNs) with classical boundary integral equations (BIEs), enabling an efficient and accurate evaluation of partial differential equations (PDEs) associated with fracture mechanics. Additionally, novel special ANN-based crack-tip elements, the Special crack-tip Neural Networks(SPNNs) are developed to improve the modeling of displacement and stress fields in regions near crack tips. These specialized elements integrate the asymptotic characteristics of fracture mechanics into the neural network framework, ensuring enhanced accuracy in capturing the intricate singularities and steep gradients near the crack tips. Compared to conventional simulation tools in fracture mechanics, the present method offers several distinct advantages. First, by embedding higher-order fracture mechanics principles into the neural networks, the method achieves a more accurate and reliable representation of the near-tip fields, even when using relatively large crack-tip elements. Second, the SPNNs, which incorporates information about varying near-tip singularity orders, improve the method's versatility in solving problems involving complex and diverse crack-tips geometries. Moreover, the method demonstrates excellent computational efficiency due to the dimensionality reduction achieved by employing BIEs. Numerical experiments confirm that the proposed framework serves as a reliable, robust, and accurate tool for addressing fracture mechanics problems, offering substantial advantages over conventional numerical approaches.