Arbitrary crack propagation in multi-phase materials using the finite volume method

Abstract

An arbitrary crack propagation model using cell-centre finite volume based method is presented. Crack growth in an elastic solid, across an interface perpendicular to the initial crack path and into a second elastic solid is analysed. Crack initiation and the subsequent path of propagation are shown to arise naturally out of the selection of appropriate cohesive parameters.It is shown that the allowable crack propagation path is restricted by the underlying mesh. Results are presented for a number of values of interfacial strength and ratios of elastic properties between the two elastic solids. For higher values of interfacial strength, the crack is shown to propagate straight through the interface, while for lower values of interfacial strength, the crack is shown to change direction and propagate along the interface. It is shown that with careful selection of material and interface parameters it is possible to arrest a propagating crack at the interface. The method represents a useful step towards the prediction of crack propagation in complex structures.

Analysis of two-phase ceramic composites using micromechanical models

“…When the critical normal separation, δ c , is reached, fracture is assumed to have taken place and the cohesive faces are thereafter treated as traction-free faces. in Carolan et al [9] and Tukovic et al [37].…”

“…Therefore it is desirable to be able to accurately model these microstructures in order to understand the mechanisms which contribute to failure and guide the development of improved materials. Furthermore, it is important to be able to correctly predict the stresses, crack initiation and propagation characteristics of complex microstructures [9].…”

The influence of microstructure on the fracture properties of polycrystalline cubic boron nitride

“…This is due to the fact that the crack has to travel along cell faces. This has previously been explained in Carolan et al [25]. In the original unstructured mesh the cells around the grains are frequently skewed so as to best create a smooth interface.…”

“…A complete description of the algorithm including details of the special treatment of discretisation of traction at a material interface can be found in Carolan et al [25] and Tukovic et al [32].…”

CZM-based Finite-Volume Homogenization and Optimization of Periodic Composites

“…Following the success of CZM in finite-element applications, CZM has recently been implemented into the cell-centered finite-volume framework, (Stylianou and Ivankovic 2002) and applied to study crack propagation along a bi-material interface (Carolan et al 2013). …”