A Finite Element Technique to Simulate the Stable Shape Evolution of Planar Cracks With an Application to a Semi-Elliptical Surface Crack in a Bimaterial Finite Solid

Abstract

SUMMARYThis paper describes a numerical procedure to model the crack front evolution of initially arbitrary shaped planar cracks in a three-dimensional solid. The influence of a bimaterial interface on the fracture path of a semi-elliptical surface crack in a three-dimensional structure is examined. The analysis is based on the assumption that fracture is controlled by small-scale yielding and linear elastic fracture mechanics. The finite element method and the crack-tip contour J-integral in a volume domain representation are utilized to calculate the crack front energy release rate. The computed values of the energy release rate are used with a crack-tip velocity growth law to model crack growth increment. The progress of the crack growth evolution is brought forward by successive iterations. Examples of computed crack evolution are given for an embedded circular crack, a semi-elliptical surface crack in a finite plate, and a configuration that defines an isotropic homogeneous material layer with a surface crack located between two material layers.

A three-dimensional meshfree method for continuous multiple-crack initiation, propagation and junction in statics and dynamics

“…Many methods are restricted to planar crack growth and linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) or were applied only for such cases. The methods of Xu and Ortiz [53], Xu et al [52] and Galdos [20], for instance, are models that can handle planar three dimensional cracks for elastostatics.…”

3D-DDM Simulation of Crack Propagation of Non-Linear Deformation Structural Plane

“…The existence of structural plane has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of rock mass, the propagation of structural plane could cause local even whole failure of structure, and therefore the simulation of crack propagation is a research focus for scientists and engineers. Among several numerical simulation methods, FEM is the most common one [1,2] , XFEM has an advantage on accuracy and applicability [3,4] , BEM [5,6] and EFM [7,8] also each has its advantage on efficiency and accuracy, the displacement discontinuity method (DDM) only need to mesh the fracture, avoided the re-meshing of the whole model, could effectively simulate the crack propagation [9,10] .…”

The Experiment Research of Continual Extension of Surface Crack

“…The research is gotten variety of materials parameter mainly from test results. There are also researchers [1][2][3][4] do some study at the simulation of crack extension, but mainly focused on numerical analysis. The simulation of crack extension is becoming possible as the computer technology and finite element technology development, and then the foundation of the method of evaluating life with fracture mechanics is got perfect [5][6][7].…”