Antiplane crack analysis of a functionally graded material by a BIEM

Elastostatic analysis of an antiplane crack in a functionally graded material (FGM) is performed by using a hypersingular boundary integral equation method (BIEM). An exponential law is applied to describe the spatial variation of the shear modulus of the FGM. A Galerkin method is applied for the numerical solution of the hypersingular traction BIE. Both unidirectional and bidirectional material gradations are investigated. Stress intensity factors for an infinite and linear elastic FGM containing a finite crack subjected to an antiplane crack-face loading are presented and discussed. The influences of the material gradients and the crack orientation on the stress intensity factors are analyzed.     

Dynamic stress field for torsional impact of a penny-shaped crack in a transversely isotropic functional graded strip

The torsional impact response of a penny-shaped crack in a transversely isotropic strip is considered. The shear moduli are assumed to be functionally graded such that the mathematics is tractable. Laplace and Hankel transforms are used to reduce the problem to solving a Fredholm integral equation. The crack tip stress field is obtained by considering the asymptotic behavior of Bessel function. Investigated are the effects of material nonhomogeneity and orthotropy and strip’s highness on the dynamic stress intensity factor. The peak of the dynamic stress intensity factor can be suppressed by increasing the shear moduli’s gradient and/or increasing the shear modulus in a direction perpendicular to the crack surface. The dynamic behavior varies little with the increasing of the strip’s highness.     

Random dynamic response and reliability of a crack in a functionally graded material layer between two dissimilar elastic half-planes

An analytical approach is presented for the random dynamic analysis of a functionally graded material (FGM) layer between two dissimilar elastic half-planes. This FGM layer contains a crack and its material properties vary randomly in the thickness direction, while their mean values are exponential functions of field position. The transient loadings applied on the crack faces are assumed to be stochastic processes of time. In order to obtain the solution, the FGM layer is divided into several sub-layers, and the material properties of each layer are reduced to random variables by an average method. A fundamental problem is constructed for the solution. Based on the use of Laplace and Fourier transforms, the boundary conditions are reduced to a set of singular integral equations, which can be solved by the Chebyshev polynomial expansions. Both stress intensity factor history with its statistics and dynamic reliability are analytically derived. Numerical calculations are provided to show the effects of related parameters.     

Anti-plane problem of periodic interface cracks in a functionally graded coating-substrate structure

In this paper, the interface cracking between a functionally graded material (FGM) and an elastic substrate is analyzed under antiplane shear loads. Two crack configurations are considered, namely a FGM bonded to an elastic substrate containing a single crack and a periodic array of interface cracks, respectively. Standard integral-transform techniques are employed to reduce the single crack problem to the solution of an integral equation with a Cauchy-type singular kernel. However, for the periodic cracks problem, application of finite Fourier transform techniques reduces the solution of the mixed-boundary value problem for a typical strip to triple series equations, then to a singular integral equation with a Hilbert-type singular kernel. The resulting singular integral equation is solved numerically. The results for the cases of single crack and periodic cracks are presented and compared. Effects of crack spacing, material properties and FGM nonhomogeneity on stress intensity factors are investigated in detail.     

Fatigue crack growth simulations of interfacial cracks in bi-layered FGMs using XFEM

An investigation of fatigue crack growth of interfacial cracks in bi-layered materials using the extended finite element method is presented. The bi-material consists of two layers of dissimilar materials. The bottom layer is made of aluminium alloy while the upper one is made of functionally graded material (FGM). The FGM layer consists of 100 % aluminium alloy on the left side and 100 % ceramic (alumina) on the right side. The gradation in material property of the FGM layer is assumed to be exponential from the alloy side to the ceramic side. The domain based interaction integral approach is extended to obtain the stress intensity factors for an interfacial crack under thermo-mechanical load. The edge and centre cracks are taken at the interface of bi-layered material. The fatigue life of the interface crack plate is obtained using the Paris law of fatigue crack growth under cyclic mode-I, mixed-mode and thermal loads. This study reveals that the crack propagates into the FGM layer under all types of loads.     

Dynamic Stress Intensity Factor of Interfacial Finite Cracks in Orthotropic Materials

The elastodynamic response of an infinite non-homogeneous orthotropic material with an interfacial finite crack under distributed normal and shear impact loads is examined. Solution for the stress intensity factor history around the crack tips is found. Laplace and Fourier transforms are employed to solve the equations of motion leading to a Fredholm integral equation on the Laplace transform domain. The dynamic stress intensity factor history can be computed by numerical Laplace transform inversion of the solution of the Fredholm equation. Numerical values of the dynamic stress intensity factor history for some materials are obtained. Interfacial cracks between two different materials and between two pieces of the same material but different fiber orientation are considered. Bimaterial formulation of a crack problem is shown to converge to the mono-material formulation, derived independently, in the limiting case when both materials are the same.     

Impact behavior of an inclined edge crack in a layered medium with a graded nonhomogeneous interfacial zone: antiplane deformation

Summary The impact response of an inclined edge crack in a layered medium with a functionally graded interfacial zone is investigated under the state of antiplane deformation. The interfacial zone is modeled by a nonhomogeneous interlayer having the power-law variations of shear modulus and mass density between the coating and the substrate of dissimilar homogeneous properties. Based on the Laplace and Fourier integral transform technique and the coordinate transformations of basic field variables, the transient crack problem is reduced to the solution of a singular integral equation with a generalized Cauchy kernel in the Laplace transform domain. The crack-tip response in the physical domain is recovered through the inverse Laplace transform to evaluate the dynamic mode III stress intensity factors as functions of time. The peak values of the dynamic stress intensity factors are further obtained versus the crack orientation angle, addressing the effects of crack obliquity on the overshoot characteristics of the transient crack-tip behavior for various combinations of material and geometric parameters of the layered medium.     

梯度复合材料裂纹扩展路径和起裂载荷的有限元分析

为了模拟功能梯度材料(FGM)在工程应用中可能会出现的断裂问题并计算相应的开裂载荷,通过编写用户自定义UEL子程序将梯度扩展单元嵌入到ABAQUS软件中模拟功能梯度材料的物理场,并编写交互能量积分后处理子程序计算裂纹尖端的混合模式应力强度因子(SIF),采用最大周向应力准则编写子程序计算裂纹的偏转角,并模拟了裂纹扩展路径,计算了裂纹的起裂载荷。讨论了材料梯度参数对裂纹扩展路径以及起裂载荷的影响规律。通过与均匀材料的对比,验证了功能梯度材料断裂性能的优越性。研究表明:外载平行于梯度方向时,垂直梯度方向的初始裂纹朝着等效弹性模量小的方向扩展,且偏转角在梯度指数线性时出现峰值,并随着组分弹性模量比的增加而变大;当外载和初始裂纹均平行于梯度方向时,材料等效弹性模量和断裂韧性的增加或者梯度指数的减小都导致起裂载荷变大。     

Modeling method for the crack problem of a functionally graded interfacial zone with arbitrary material properties

A new multi-layered model is developed for the fracture analysis of a functionally graded interfacial zone with arbitrary material properties. It is assumed that the interfacial zone is divided into sub-layers with the material properties of each sub-layer varying in a power-law function. The model is used to study the crack problem in the functionally graded interfacial zone between two homogeneous half-planes under a dynamic anti-plane load. Using Fourier–Laplace transforms and the transfer matrix method, the mixed boundary value problem is reduced to a Cauchy singular integral equation, which is solved numerically in the Laplace transform domain. Laplace numerical inversion transform is employed to obtain the stress intensity factors. The results show that the new model is general and effective for the crack problem of the functionally graded interfacial zone with arbitrary properties.     

Dynamic fracture of a functionally gradient material having discrete property variation

A functionally gradient material (FGM) with discrete property variation is prepared, and the dynamic fracture in this material is studied using the technique of photoelasticity combined with high-speed photography. Transparent sheets required for the study are made by casting a polyester resin mixed with varying amounts of plasticizer. The mechanical (quasi-static and dynamic) and optical properties of the material are evaluated as a function of the plasticizer content. Results of material characterization show that the fracture toughness increases with increasing plasticizer content, whereas the Young's modulus decreases. The material fringe constant and the dynamic modulus are observed to be relatively insensitive to plasticizer content. The FGM is then prepared by casting together thin strips having different plasticizer content. The dynamic crack propagation phenomenon is studied for four different property variations along the crack propagation direction, and the effects of these property variations on crack speed, crack jump distance and dynamic stress intensity factor are investigated. Results of this investigation show that increasing the toughness in the direction of crack growth reduces the crack jump distance as compared to on increasing-decreasing toughness variation for the same initial energy.     

Three dimensional fracture analysis of FGM coatings under thermomechanical loading

The main objective of this study is to examine the three dimensional surface crack problems in functionally graded coatings subjected to mode I mechanical or transient thermal loading. The surface cracks are assumed to have a semi-elliptical crack front profile of arbitrary aspect ratio. The cracks are embedded in the functionally graded material (FGM) coating which is perfectly bonded to a homogeneous substrate. A three dimensional finite element method is used to solve the thermal and structural problems. Collapsed 20-node isoparametric elements are utilized to simulate the strain singularity around the crack front. The stress intensity factors are computed by using the displacement correlation technique. Four different coating types are considered in the analyses which have homogeneous, ceramic-rich (CR), metal-rich (MR) and linear variation (LN) material composition profiles. In the mechanical loading problems, the composite medium is assumed to be subjected to fixed-grip tension or three point bending. In the thermal analysis, a transient residual stress problem is considered. The stress intensity factors calculated for FGM plates are in good agreement with the previously published results on three dimensional surface cracks. The new results provided show that maximum stress intensity factors computed during transient thermal loading period for the FGM coatings are lower than those of the homogeneous ceramic ones.     

XFEM simulation of cracks, holes and inclusions in functionally graded materials

The present work aims at the numerical simulation of inhomogeneities/discontinuities (cracks, holes and inclusions) in functionally graded materials (FGMs) using extended finite element method (XFEM). A FGM with unidirectional gradation in material properties is modeled under plane strain condition. The domain contains a major crack either at the center or at the edge of the domain along with multiple minor discontinuities/flaws such as minor cracks and/or voids/inclusions distributed all over the domain. The effect of the variation in stress intensity factor (SIF) of the major crack due to the presence of the minor cracks and voids/inclusions is studied in detail. The simulations show that the presence of minor discontinuities significantly affects the values of SIFs.     

基于裂纹尖端应力比值的含裂纹功能梯度材料圆筒应力强度因子计算方法

由于功能梯度材料（FGM）性质的特殊性,现有含裂纹FGM结构应力强度因子计算方法难以避免复杂的矩阵运算以及数值积分。该文针对含外表面环向裂纹FGM圆筒,利用FGM圆筒与均匀材料圆筒裂纹尖端应力之间的比例关系,将复杂的FGM圆筒应力强度因子求解问题转化为简单的应力值提取问题以及经验公式计算问题,仅由均匀材料圆筒应力强度因子经验公式、均匀材料圆筒和FGM圆筒裂纹尖端应力比值即可得到任意含裂纹FGM圆筒应力强度因子。该方法仅需建立2D轴对称模型即可满足计算要求,在保证精度的基础上成功回避了传统方法中的复杂矩阵运算以及数值积分,且适用于不同FGM、筒体尺寸、裂纹深度等情况下的应力强度因子计算。通过多组算例对比分析,证明该方法计算精度高、计算过程简便,便于工程应用。     

On the shear stress distribution between a functionally graded piezoelectric actuator and an elastic substrate and the reduction of its concentration

Recent advances in material processing technologies allow the production of piezoelectric materials with functionally graded material properties. We investigate the implications of functionally graded piezoelectric materials when used as actuators for structural control by examining the distribution of the actuating shear stress under a piezoelectric actuator of a functionally graded material (FGM) on an isotropic elastic half-space. It is shown that FGM materials can be used to adjust the shear stress distribution. In particular, the concentration near the edges of a conventional homogeneous piezoelectric actuator can be significantly reduced in an FGM actuator.     

A complex variable approach for asymptotic Mode-III crack-tip fields in an anisotropic functionally graded material

This paper addresses asymptotic full crack-tip fields for an anti-plane (Mode-III) stationary crack in an anisotropic functionally graded material. A monoclinic material that has a material symmetry plane is considered. The complex variable approach and the asymptotic analysis are used to solve a perturbed Laplace equation resulting from material anisotropy and gradation. The out-of-plane displacement and stress solutions are provided for a crack in exponentially and linearly graded anisotropic materials by considering material gradation either parallel or perpendicular to the crack. The characteristics of the asymptotic solutions in an anisotropic functionally graded material are compared with those for anisotropic homogeneous and isotropic graded materials. Finally, engineering significance of the present work is discussed.     

Experimental Investigations on Deformation and Fracture Behavior of Glass Sphere Filled Epoxy Functionally Graded Materials

In this paper, deformation and fracture behavior of glass sphere filled epoxy functionally graded materials (FGM) are numerically evaluated and experimentally studied. The fabrication of the FGM is described in detail, and the spatial gradation of elastic modulus and the microscopic structure in FGM are measured and analyzed. The deformation and fracture characterization of the FGM specimen with a crack oriented along the direction of the elastic gradient under three point bend are studied by the experimental and the finite element method. The influences of crack location at both the stiff and the compliant sides of the FGM specimen on crack initiation, deformation field and stress intensity factor are analyzed. The results are: (a) The neutral-axis in the FGM specimen under three-point-bending will shift toward the stiffer side; (b) The initial fracture load increases with the increase of elastic modulus at the crack tip; (c) The elastic gradients shield a crack on the compliant side and lower the stress intensity factor when compared to the one with crack on the stiff side. These results will be useful for better design and reliable evaluation of FGM.     

Fracture analysis of a functionally graded coating-substrate structure with a crack perpendicular to the interface - Part II: Transient problem

In Part I of this paper, the static problem of a functionally graded coating-substrate system with an internal or edge crack perpendicular to the interface has been studied. In this part, the transient response of the structure is considered under an in-plane impact. Laplace and Fourier transforms are applied to reduce the mixed boundary value problem to a singular integral equation which is solved in the Laplace domain numerically. The dynamic stress intensity factors (DSIFs) are obtained by numerical Laplace inversion technique. The influences of material constants and geometry parameters on the dynamic stress intensity factors are studied. It is found that the DSIFs for an internal crack rise rapidly to a peak and then tend to the steady value without obvious oscillations, but the DSIFs for an edge crack have more obvious oscillations after rising to a peak with the increasing of the nonhomogeneity constant.     

Green's functions for the stress intensity factor evolution in finite cracks in orthotropic materials

The elastodynamic response of an infinite orthotropic material with finite crack under concentrated loads is examined. Solution for the stress intensity factor history around the crack tips is found. Laplace and Fourier transforms are employed to solve the equations of motion leading to a Fredholm integral equation on the Laplace transform domain. The dynamic stress intensity factor history can be computed by numerical Laplace transform inversion of the solution of the Fredholm equation. Numerical values of the dynamic stress intensity factor history for some example materials are obtained. This solution can be used as a Green's function to solve dynamic problems involving fini te cracks.     

Impact response of an anti-plane crack in a FGPM bonded to a homogeneous piezoelectric strip

A finite crack under transient anti-plane shear loads in a functionally graded piezoelectric material (FGPM) bonded to a homogeneous piezoelectric strip is considered. It is assumed that the electroelastic material properties of the FGPM vary continuously according to exponential functions along the thickness of the strip, and that the two layered strips is under combined anti-plane shear mechanical and in-plane electrical impact loads. The analysis is conducted on the electrically unified crack boundary condition. Laplace and Fourier transforms are used to reduce the mixed boundary value problems to Fredholm integral equations of the second kind in the Laplace transform domain. Then, a numerical Laplace inversion is performed and the dynamic intensities are obtained as functions of time and geometric parameters, which are displayed graphically.     

Stress intensity factors for functionally graded solid cylinders

This paper presents the mode I stress intensity factors for functionally graded solid cylinders with an embedded penny-shaped crack or an external circumferential crack. The solid cylinders are assumed under remote uniform tension. The multiple isoparametric finite element method is used. Various types of functionally graded materials and different gradient compositions for each type are investigated. The results show that the material property distribution has a quite considerable influence on the stress intensity factors. The influence for embedded cracks is quite different from that for external cracks.