The Multipole Method (MPM) is used to simulate the many-body self-consistent
problem of interacting elliptical micro-cracks and inclusions in single crystals. A
criterion is employed to determine the crack propagation path based on the stress
distribution; the evolution of individual micro-cracks and their interactions with
existing cracks and inclusions is then predicted using what we coin the Discrete
Crack Dynamics (DCD) method. DCD is fast (semi-analytical) and particularly
suitable for the simulation of evolving low-speed crack networks in brittle or
quasi-brittle materials. The method is validated against finite element analysis
predictions and previously published experimental data.