XFEM fracture analysis of orthotropic functionally graded materials

In the present study, the extended finite element method (XFEM) has been used for fracture analysis of orthotropic functionally graded materials. Orthotropic crack tip enrichments have been used to reproduce the singular stress field near a crack tip. Moreover, the incompatible interaction integral method has been employed to extract the stress intensity factor components. Accuracy and convergence of the proposed method have been evaluated by numerical examples and quality results have been obtained by far fewer DOFs. Also, crack propagation in isotropic and orthotropic FGMs in the presence of crack tip enrichments has been investigated and various propagation criteria have been compared, and verified, if available, by experimental and numerical data in the literature. Application of XFEM in combination of the maximum circumferential tensile stress criterion for investigation of crack propagation in orthotropic FGM problems is performed for the first time.     

Finite element evaluation of mixed mode stress intensity factors in functionally graded materials

This paper is directed towards finite element computation of fracture parameters in functionally graded material (FGM) assemblages of arbitrary geometry with stationary cracks. Graded finite elements are developed where the elastic moduli are smooth functions of spatial co‐ordinates which are integrated into the element stiffness matrix. In particular, stress intensity factors for mode I and mixed‐mode two‐dimensional problems are evaluated and compared through three different approaches tailored for FGMs: path‐independent J^*_k‐integral, modified crack‐closure integral method, and displacement correlation technique. The accuracy of these methods is discussed based on comparison with available theoretical, experimental or numerical solutions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal fracture analysis of orthotropic functionally graded materials using an equivalent domain integral approach

A new computational method based on the equivalent domain integral (EDI) is developed for mode I fracture analysis of orthotropic functionally graded materials (FGMs) subjected to thermal stresses. By using the constitutive relations of plane orthotropic thermoelasticity, generalized definition of the J-integral is converted to an equivalent domain integral to calculate the thermal stress intensity factor. In the formulation of the EDI approach, all the required thermomechanical properties are assumed to have continuous spatial variations through the functionally graded medium. Developed methodology is integrated into a fracture mechanics research finite element code FRAC2D using graded finite elements that possess cubic interpolation. Steady-state and transient temperature distribution profiles in orthotropic FGMs are computed using the finite elements based heat transfer analysis software HEAT2D. EDI method is validated and domain independence is demonstrated by comparing the numerical results obtained using EDI to those calculated by an enriched finite element method and to those available in the literature. Single and periodic edge crack problems in orthotropic FGMs are examined in order to study the influences of principal thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity components, relative crack length and crack periodicity on the thermal stress intensity factors. Numerical results show that among the three principal thermal expansion coefficient components, the in-plane component perpendicular to the crack axis has the most significant influence on the mode I stress intensity factor. Gradation profile of the thermal expansion coefficient parallel to the crack axis is shown to have no effect on the outcome of the fracture analysis.     

Interface crack problems in graded orthotropic media: Analytical and computational approaches

Interface crack problems in graded orthotropic media are considered using analytical and computational techniques. In the analytical formulation an interface crack between a graded orthotropic coating and a homogeneous orthotropic substrate is considered. The principal axes of orthotropy are assumed to be parallel and perpendicular to the crack plane. Mechanical properties of the medium are assumed to be continuous with discontinuous derivatives at the interface. The problem is formulated in terms of the averaged constants of plane orthotropic elasticity and reduced to a pair of singular integral equations which are solved numerically to compute the mixed mode stress intensity factors and the energy release rate. In the second part of the study, enriched finite elements are formulated and implemented for graded orthotropic materials. Comparisons of the finite element and analytical results show that enriched finite element technique is capable of producing highly accurate results for crack problems in graded orthotropic media. Finally, periodic interface cracking and the four point bending test for graded orthotropic solids are modeled using enriched finite elements and the results are briefly discussed.     

Modeling crack discontinuities without element‐partitioning in the extended finite element method

In this paper, we model crack discontinuities in two‐dimensional linear elastic continua using the extended finite element method without the need to partition an enriched element into a collection of triangles or quadrilaterals. For crack modeling in the extended finite element, the standard finite element approximation is enriched with a discontinuous function and the near‐tip crack functions. Each element that is fully cut by the crack is decomposed into two simple (convex or nonconvex) polygons, whereas the element that contains the crack tip is treated as a nonconvex polygon. On using Euler's homogeneous function theorem and Stokes's theorem to numerically integrate homogeneous functions on convex and nonconvex polygons, the exact contributions to the stiffness matrix from discontinuous enriched basis functions are computed. For contributions to the stiffness matrix from weakly singular integrals (because of enrichment with asymptotic crack‐tip functions), we only require a one‐dimensional quadrature rule along the edges of a polygon. Hence, neither element‐partitioning on either side of the crack discontinuity nor use of any cubature rule within an enriched element are needed. Structured finite element meshes consisting of rectangular elements, as well as unstructured triangular meshes, are used. We demonstrate the flexibility of the approach and its excellent accuracy in stress intensity factor computations for two‐dimensional crack problems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A model for graded materials with application to cracks

Stress intensity factors are calculated for long plane cracks with one tip interacting with a region of graded material characteristics. The material outside the region is considered to be homogeneous. The analysis is based on assumed small differences in stiffness in the entire body. The linear extent of the body is assumed to be large compared with that of the graded region. The crack tip, including the graded region, is assumed embedded in a square-root singular stress field. The stress intensity factor is given by a singular integral. Solutions are presented for rectangular regions with elastic gradient parallel to the crack plane. The limiting case of infinite strip is solved analytically, leading to a very simple expression. Further, a fundamental case is considered, allowing the solution for arbitrary variation of the material properties to be represented by Fourier's series expansion. The solution is compared with numerical results for finite changes of modulus of elasticity and is shown to have a surprisingly large range of validity. If an error of 5% is tolerated, modulus of elasticity may drop by around 40% or increase with around 60%.     

Mixed-mode J-integral formulation and implementation using graded elements for fracture analysis of nonhomogeneous orthotropic materials

The path-independent J_k^*-integral, in conjunction with the finite element method (FEM), is presented for mode I and mixed-mode crack problems in orthotropic functionally graded materials (FGMs) considering plane elasticity. A general procedure is presented where the crack is arbitrarily oriented, i.e. it does not need to be aligned with the principal orthotropy directions. Smooth spatial variations of the independent engineering material properties are incorporated into the element stiffness matrix using a “generalized isoparametric formulation”, which is natural to the FEM. Both exponential and linear variations of the material properties are considered. Stress intensity factors and energy release rates for pure mode I and mixed-mode boundary value problems are numerically evaluated by means of the equivalent domain integral especially tailored for orthotropic FGMs. Numerical results are discussed and validated against available theoretical and numerical solutions.     

K‐dominance of static crack tip in functionally gradient materials

K‐dominance of static crack tip in functionally gradient materials (FGMs) with a crack oriented along the direction of the elastic gradient is studied through coherent gradient sensing (CGS), digital speckle correlation method (DSCM) and finite element method (FEM). In the direction of crack propagation, the shear modulus has a linear variation with constant mass density and Poisson's ratio. First, the CGS and DSCM governing equations related to the measurements and the elastic solutions at mode I crack in FGMs are obtained in terms of the stress intensity factor, material constants and graded index. Secondly, two kinds of FGMs specimens and one homogenous specimen are prepared to observe the influences of the property variation on the K‐dominance. Then, CGS and DSCM experiments using three‐point‐bending of FGMs and homogenous beams are performed. Thirdly, based on the results of the experiments, the stress intensity factors of three kinds of specimens are calculated by CGS and DSCM. Meanwhile, the stress intensity factors are obtained by FEM. Finally, comparing the results from CGS, DSCM and FEM, the K‐dominance of mode‐I static crack tip in FGMs is discussed in detail.     

The fracture analysis of a graded coating/substrate system of finite thickness with arbitrary spatial variations of coating properties: Plane deformation

A new multi-layered model for functionally graded materials (FGMs) with continuously varying elastic properties is developed. The model divides the FGM into multiple layers. In each layer the material properties vary linearly and are continuous on the sub-interfaces. With this new multi-layered model, we solve the crack problems of an FGM coated strip under the in-plane deformation. The method employs the Fourier integral transform technique and singular integral equation theory. The stress intensity factors are calculated. Comparisons between the present model and other existing models show some advantages of the new model: (i) it involves no discontinuities of the material properties at the sub-interfaces; and (ii) it can be used to analyze the crack problems of FGMs with properties of arbitrary variations.     

Cracks and re-entrant corners in functionally graded materials

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are special composites in which the volume fractions of constituent materials vary gradually, giving continuously graded mechanical properties. The aim of this paper is the evaluation of the strength of structures composed by FGMs incorporating re-entrant corners - tending to the more common crack for vanishing corner angle. The end result is useful in engineering applications predicting the strength of the element corresponding to the unstable brittle crack propagation in such innovative materials. To show the general validity of the method, heterogeneous plates under tension and beam under bending containing re-entrant corners and by varying corner angle, depth and grading of the FGM are considered. Ad hoc performed numerical finite element simulations, by using the FRANC2D code, agree with the theoretical predictions.     

A novel singular node‐based smoothed finite element method (NS‐FEM) for upper bound solutions of fracture problems

It is well known that the lower bound to exact solutions in linear fracture problems can be easily obtained by the displacement compatible finite element method (FEM) together with the singular crack tip elements. It is, however, much more difficult to obtain the upper bound solutions for these problems. This paper aims to formulate a novel singular node‐based smoothed finite element method (NS‐FEM) to obtain the upper bound solutions for fracture problems. In the present singular NS‐FEM, the calculation of the system stiffness matrix is performed using the strain smoothing technique over the smoothing domains (SDs) associated with nodes, which leads to the line integrations using only the shape function values along the boundaries of the SDs. A five‐node singular crack tip element is used within the framework of NS‐FEM to construct singular shape functions via direct point interpolation with proper order of fractional basis. The mix‐mode stress intensity factors are evaluated using the domain forms of the interaction integrals. The upper bound solutions of the present singular NS‐FEM are demonstrated via benchmark examples for a wide range of material combinations and boundary conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interaction integrals for thermal fracture of functionally graded materials

This paper addresses finite element evaluation of the non-singular T-stress and mixed-mode stress intensity factors in functionally graded materials (FGMs) under steady-state thermal loads by means of interaction integral. Interaction integral provides an accurate and efficient numerical framework in evaluating these fracture parameters in FGMs under thermal as well as mechanical loads. We use a non-equilibrium formulation and the corresponding auxiliary (secondary) fields tailored for FGMs. Graded finite elements have been developed to account for the spatial gradation of thermomechanical properties. This paper presents various numerical examples in which the accuracy of the present method is verified.     

Determination of stress intensity factor solutions for cracks in finite-width functionally graded materials

A generalized method to determine the stress intensity factor equations for cracks in finite-width specimens of functionally graded materials (FGMs), based on force balance in regions ahead of the crack tip is provided. The method uses the Westergaard's stress distribution ahead of the crack in an infinite plate and is based on the requirement of isostrain deformation of layers of varying moduli ahead of the crack tip. It is shown that the modified Westergaard equation describes the normal stress distribution and the singular stress state ahead of the crack tip in a reasonably accurate manner. Based on this, closed-form analytical equations for the stress intensity factors of cracks in finite-width center cracked specimens were derived. Comparisons of the K values from the analytical equations with that obtained from FEM simulations indicate that the derived stress intensity factor equations for FGMs are reasonably accurate. For the finite-width center-cracked-tension (CCT) specimen, the errors are less than 10% for most of the crack lengths for materials with the outer layer modulus ratios varying from 0.2 to 5. The stress intensity factors were found to be sensitive to the absolute values of moduli of the layers, the modulus ratio of the outer layers as well as the nature of gradation including the increasing and the decreasing functional forms. The stress intensity factor equations are convenient for engineering estimates of stress intensity factors as well as in the experimental determinations of fracture toughness of FGMs.     

Analysis of a propagating crack in functionally graded materials with property variation angled to crack direction

The stress and displacement fields for a crack propagating in functionally graded materials (FGMs) with property variation angled to crack direction are obtained. The FGMs have a linear variation of shear modulus with a constant density and Poisson’s ratio. The solutions for higher order terms in the dynamic equilibriums are obtained by transforming the general differential equations to Laplace’s equations. Using the stress fields, the effects of the nonhomogeneity and the angled properties on stress components are investigated. In addition to, the contours of the constant maximum shear stress around the static and propagating crack tip are generated. The contours of the constant maximum shear stress around the static and propagating crack tip tilt toward the property gradation direction.     

A continuum shape sensitivity method for fracture analysis of isotropic functionally graded materials

This paper presents a new continuum shape sensitivity method for calculating mixed-mode stress-intensity factors for a stationary crack in two-dimensional, linear- elastic, isotropic FGMs with arbitrary geometry. The method involves the material derivative concept taken from continuum mechanics, the mutual potential energy release rate, and direct differentiation. Since the governing variational equation is differentiated prior to discretization, resulting sensitivity equations are independent of approximate numerical techniques, such as the finite element method, boundary element method, mesh-free method, or others. The discrete form of the mutual potential energy release rate is simple and easy to calculate, as it only requires multiplication of displacement vectors and stiffness sensitivity matrices. By judiciously selecting the velocity field, the method only requires displacement response in a subdomain close to the crack tip, thus making the method computationally efficient. Seven finite-element based numerical examples, which comprise mode-I and mixed-mode deformations and/or single or multiple interacting cracks, are presented to evaluate the accuracy of the fracture parameters calculated by the proposed method. Comparisons have been made between stress-intensity factors predicted by the proposed method and available reference solutions in the literature, generated either analytically or numerically using various other fracture integrals or analyses. Excellent agreement is obtained between the results of the proposed method and previously obtained solutions. Therefore, shape sensitivity analysis provides an attractive alternative to fracture analysis of cracks in homogeneous and non-homogeneous materials.     

Curved crack propagation in homogeneous and graded materials

Deflection and deviation of cracks commonly occurs because of asymmetry in crack‐tip stresses in both homogeneous materials and functionally graded materials (FGMs); yet the analysis of curved cracks has been limited to simple crack shapes, otherwise the analysis would involve extensive levels of computation. The present study investigates the approximation of curved cracks with simplified shapes. A simple analytical model justifying the use of crack‐shape approximations, developed in an earlier study on stationary curved cracks in homogeneous materials, is outlined. Then, the approach is applied to propagating cracks in both homogeneous and graded material structures. Results are presented from finite element (FE) simulations of crack propagation using exact and simplified crack shapes. The use of an approximated crack shape can provide basic estimates for crack propagation path and critical load. However, systematic divergence can occur between predictions for exact and approximated crack shapes, particularly in inhomogeneous material configurations, and so the development of solutions for non‐straight cracks in FGMs would be expedient.     

Numerical evaluation of the quarter-point crack tip element

This paper attempts to answer two commonly raised questions during the preparation of a finite element mesh, for the linear elastic fracture analysis of cracked structure: how to set up the finite element mesh around the crack tip, and what level of accuracy is to be expected from such a modelling. Two test problems, with known analytical expressions for their stress intensity factors, are analysed by the finite element method using the isoparametric quadratic singular element. The modified parameters were the order of integration, aspect ratio, number of elements surrounding the crack tip, use of transition elements, the singular element length over the total crack length, the symmetry of the mesh around the crack tip. Based on these analyses, a data base is created and various plots produced. The results are interpreted, the accuracy evaluated and recommendations drawn. Contrary to previous reports, it is found that the computed stress intensity factor (SIF) remains within engineering accuracy (10 per cent) throughout a large range of l/a (singular element length over crack length) for problems with a uniform non-singular stress distribution ahead of the crack tip (i.e. double edge notch), and l/a should be less than 0·1 for problems with a non-singular stress gradient (i.e three-point bend). Also, it is found that the best results are achieved by using at least four singular elements around the crack tip, with their internal angles around 45 degrees, and a reduced (2 × 2) numerical integration.