Γ-convergence for Free-Discontinuity Problems in Linear Elasticity: Homogenization and Relaxation

We analyze the Gamma-convergence of sequences of free discontinuity functionals arising in the modeling of linear elastic solids with surface discontinuities, including phenomena as fracture, damage, or material voids. We prove compactness with respect to Gamma-convergence and represent the Gamma-limit in an integral form defined on the space of generalized special functions of bounded deformation (GSBD(p)). We identify the integrands in terms of asymptotic cell formulas and prove a non-interaction property between bulk and surface contributions. Eventually, we investigate sequences of corresponding boundary value problems and show convergence of minimum values and minimizers. In particular, our techniques allow us to characterize relaxations of functionals on GSBD(p), and cover the classical case of periodic homogenization.