Analysis of the stress intensity factor dependence with the crack velocity using a lattice model

In this work, the influence of crack propagation velocity in the stress intensity factor has been studied. The analysis is performed with a lattice method and a linear elastic constitutive model. Numerous researchers determined the relationship between the dynamic stress intensity factor and crack propagation velocity with experimental and analytical results. They showed that toughness increases asymptotically when the crack tip velocity is near to a critical. However, these methods are very complex and computationally expensive; furthermore, the model requires the use of several parameters that are not easily obtained. Moreover, its practical implementation is not always feasible. Hence, it is usually omitted. This paper aims to capture the physics of this complex problem with a simple fracture criterion. The selected criterion is based on the maximum principal strain implemented in a lattice model. The method used to calculate the stress intensity factor is validated with other numerical methods. The selected example is a finite 2D notched under mode I fracture and different loads rates. Results show that the proposed model captures the asymptotic behaviour of the SIF in function of crack speed, as reported in the aforementioned models.     

Simulation of dynamic crack curving and branching under biaxial loading by a time domain boundary integral equation method

Bifurcation and trifurcation of a fast running crack under various biaxial loading conditions is investigated numerically. The solution procedure for the 2D model in the framework of linear elastodynamics employs a time-domain boundary element method and allows for arbitrary curvilinear crack propagation. Branching events are controlled by the criterion of a critical mode I stress intensity factor while the propagation direction and growth rate of each branch are determined from the criterion of maximum circumferential stress. Numerical results are compared with experimental findings and are discussed with respect to macroscopic and microscopic aspects of dynamic fracture.     

The recent development of analysis methodology for rapid crack propagation and arrest in gas pipelines

Several dynamic analysis issues relating to rapid crack propagation (RCP) and arrest in gas piplines were developed recently, and are presented in this paper. This is based on a fluid/structure/fracture interaction package, PFRAC. Some developments have been implemented into this finite element code to simulate the behavior of the fractured pipes. The criteria for crack initiation, propagation and arrest have been discussed. As the crack propagates along the pipeline, the gas pressure decompression ahead of the crack tip and an efficiency of a linear decay behind the crack have been used in the computation. For the calculation of crack driving force G, the numerical approaches using the nodal force release and energy balance methods are described. This paper also presents a novel analysis methodology that has been developed to investigate the suitability of crack arrestors. Several numerical results for the cracked steel pipes with arrestors are presented along with comparisons with pipes that do not have arrestors.     

Finite element simulation of dynamic crack propagation process using an arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation

In this paper, the arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation is employed for finite element modelling of dynamic crack propagation problem. The application phase simulation of computational dynamic fracture is applied to model by which the crack propagation history and variation of crack velocity are predicted using the material dynamic fracture toughness. The dynamic solution of problem is accomplished using the implicit time integration method. The convective terms due to mesh‐material motion are taken into account via the convection equation. A robust and efficient mesh motion technique, that its equations need not to be solved at every time step, is employed in Eulerian phase. The mesh connectivity is preserved during the analysis. So, the successive remeshing of model is eliminated. When the dynamic fracture criterion is satisfied for crack growth, the presented algorithm allows the crack to advance by splitting the material particle at the crack tip. The dynamic energy release rate is calculated at each time step to determine dynamic stress intensity factor. The predicted results are compared with those obtained through the experimental study and remeshing technique cited in the literature. The proposed computational algorithm leads to an accurate and efficient simulation of dynamic crack propagation process.     

On damage accumulations in the cyclic cohesive zone model for XFEM analysis of mixed-mode fatigue crack growth

Predicting mixed-mode fatigue crack propagation is an important and troublesome issue in structure assessment for decades. In the present paper an extended finite element method (XFEM) combined with a new cyclic cohesive zone model (CCZM) is introduced for simulating fatigue crack propagation under mixed-mode loading conditions, which has been implemented in the commercial general purpose software ABAQUS. The algorithm allows introducing a new crack surface at arbitrary locations and directions in a finite element mesh, without re-meshing. The cyclic cohesive zone model is based on the known S–N curves and Goodman diagram for metallic materials and validated by uniaxial tension results. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the model parameter is investigated for mixed-mode fatigue. The virtual crack closure technique has been extended to the cohesive zone model and proposed to calculate the energy release rate for the generalized Paris’ law. Finally, the crack propagation rate and direction under mixed-mode fatigue loading conditions are studied.     

Computational analysis of mixed-mode fatigue crack growth in quasi-brittle materials using extended finite element methods

In the present paper an extended finite element method (XFEM) containing strong discontinuity within elements is introduced and implemented in the commercial general purpose software ABAQUS. The algorithm allows introducing a new crack surface at arbitrary locations and directions in elements. To consider fatigue crack nucleation and propagation in quasi-brittle materials the XFEM is combined with a cyclic cohesive model. Accumulative material damage is described by separate evolution equations. The crack path is completely independent of the mesh structure but determined by the mixed-mode loading cases. Numerical simulations illustrate the ability of this method to simulate fracture with unstructured meshes. The computational results agree with known fracture experiment data. Known fatigue observations can be predicted using the present model.     

Coupled hygro-thermo-viscoelastic fracture theory

A coupled hygro-thermo-viscoelastic fracture theory is developed for quasi-static and dynamic crack propagation in viscoelastic materials subject to combined mechanical loading and hygrothermal environmental exposure based on fundamental principles of thermodynamics. The Helmholtz free energy is taken to be a functional of the histories of strain, temperature and fluid concentration with the crack parameter being introduced as an internal state variable. A thermodynamically consistent time-dependent fracture criterion for crack propagation in the presence of thermally and mechanically assisted fluid transport is obtained from the global energy balance equation and the requirement of non-negativity of the global energy dissipation rate, which is generally applicable to both quasi-static and dynamic loading and both isothermal/isohumidity and non-isothermal/non-isohumidity conditions with classic fracture criteria as special cases. On the basis of the developed theory, the generalized energy release rate method, the generalized contour integral method and the extended essential work of fracture method are proposed for fracture characterization of load-carrying viscoelastic materials in hygrothermal environments, and the interrelation of these methods and their correlation with conventional methods and existing models, simulations and experiments are discussed.     

Modelling dynamic crack propagation using the scaled boundary finite element method

This study presents a novel application of the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) to model dynamic crack propagation problems. Accurate dynamic stress intensity factors are extracted directly from the semi‐analytical solutions of SBFEM. They are then used in the dynamic fracture criteria to determine the crack‐tip position, velocity and propagation direction. A simple, yet flexible remeshing algorithm is used to accommodate crack propagation. Three dynamic crack propagation problems that include mode‐I and mix‐mode fracture are modelled. The results show good agreement with experimental and numerical results available in the literature. It is found that the developed method offers some advantages over conventional FEM in terms of accuracy, efficiency and ease of implementation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An analytical method for mixed-mode propagation of pressurized fractures in remotely compressed rocks

An analytical method for mixed-mode (mode I and mode II) propagation of pressurized fractures in remotely compressed rocks is presented in this paper. Stress intensity factors for such fractured rocks subjected to two-dimensional stress system are formulated approximately. A sequential crack tip propagation algorithm is developed in conjunction with the maximum tensile stress criterion for crack extension. For updating stress intensity factors during crack tip propagation, a dynamic fictitious fracture plane is used. Based on the displacement correlation technique, which is usually used in boundary element/finite element analyses, for computing stress intensity factors in terms of nodal displacements, further simplification in the estimation of crack opening and sliding displacements is suggested. The proposed method is verified comparing results (stress intensity factors, propagation paths and crack opening and sliding displacements) with that obtained from a boundary element based program and available in literatures. Results are found in good agreements for all the verification examples, while the proposed method requires a trivial computing time.     

坝基界面在非线性水压力驱动下的非线性断裂过程模拟

基于多边形比例边界有限元法和粘聚裂缝模型提出了混凝土坝坝基界面在随缝宽非线性变化的水压力驱动下的非线性断裂数值模型。混凝土和基岩采用多边形比例边界单元模拟,界面裂缝的断裂过程区采用粘性界面单元模拟。因为界面裂缝总是处于复合断裂模态,故同时引入了法向和切向的界面单元,且考虑了裂纹面作用有法向和切向任意荷载时的应力强度因子求解。以裂尖为原点,裂尖附近的位移场和应力场在径向上解析求解,在环向具有有限元精度。因此无需在裂尖附近加密网格或采用富集技术即可求得高精度的解。对于界面断裂,可模拟出与两种材料差异性相关的非1/2奇异性。断裂过程区的水压力随缝面宽度变化,采用指数函数的形式进行表征,通过参数调整可实现不同分布的水压力的模拟。水压力与粘聚力考虑为与裂缝宽度相关的组合函数,便于非线性迭代的实现。结合多边形网格生成和重剖分技术,可方便地模拟界面裂缝在水力驱动下的扩展过程。算例研究表明了该文模型的有效性,从中也可看出考虑缝内水压及其具体分布形式对研究坝的稳定性具有重要影响。     

A generalized model for dynamic mixed-mode fracture via state-based peridynamics

A generalized model is developed to investigate dynamic crack propagation in isotropic solids under mixed-mode I/II conditions using state-based peridynamics. The critical stretch and the critical strain energy release rate (ERR) are related within the state-based peridynamic framework to construct a computational model capable of capturing fracture energy of the kinked cracks. A novel formulation is presented to predict crack growth trajectory and pattern by combining the traditional expression of ERR and the peridynamic states of the crack opening and sliding displacements. The proposed model is used to predict dynamic fracture behavior in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and soda-lime glass using various test specimens, including cracked semi-circular bending (SCB), cracked rectangular plate, and single edge-notched tensile (SENT) specimens, and under different dynamic loading conditions. The developed model is examined against the numerical and experimental data available in the literature, and a very good agreement is observed.     

On a thermo-mechanical effect and criterion of crack propagation

A thermo-mechanical effect from partial conversion of fracture work into heat energy during crack propagation is considered with a simple mathematical model. It is assumed that the heat production zone in the vicinity of the crack tip is very small. Thus, the crack propagation process can be viewed as propagation of the crack in elastic material with a point thermal heat source fixed at the tip of the crack. This thermal heat source generates its own temperature and stress fields around the crack tip. As shown in this paper it also generates a negative stress intensity factor that specifies fracture mode I and has to be accounted for in the energetic fracture criterion. The model developed may help to explain many experimental observations such as the increase in the specific surface energy that accompanies an increase in the crack speed and why fracture mode I has a special role in crack propagation phenomena.     

Three-dimensional numerical investigation of brittle bond fracture

A fracture mechanics based analysis of interface bond failure is presented. The bond edge is regarded as an interface crack front loaded under combined mode 1, 2 and 3 loading, and results are obtained for the critical stress for initiation of bond failure and the location along the bond edge where failure is initiated. A numerical procedure is formulated to study the propagation of the interface crack following initiation. Assuming that the crack propagates at the interface, a criterion for propagation is formulated, and it is shown that the crack front shape predicted is consistent with the basic interface fracture mechanics assuming quasi-static crack propagation. Results for the bond strength are presented for different fracture criteria and different bond shapes.     

Analysis of modified split Hopkinson pressure bar dynamic fracture test using an inertia model

A split Hopkinson pressure bar (two-bar set-up) has been modified to perform dynamic three-point bend tests to measure dynamic fracture toughness, and to understand the influences of various experimental parameters, as well as inertial effects, on the dynamic material response. Modeling and analysis of the dynamic three-point bend test, as loaded by a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar, is conducted. The effects of support motion, crack propagation and plastic contact stiffness on total sample deflection are investigated. The effects of crack propagation and plastic contact stiffness on the contribution of support motion to the total sample deflection are also investigated theoretically and experimentally in this paper. Further, the effects of crack propagation and plastic contact stiffness on impactor and sample load are also addressed.     

Puncture fracture in an aluminum beverage can

Puncture can be defined as a dynamic contact between a foreign object and a container, which causes the wall of the container to fail. This failure can lead to either a leak or a rupture. In this work, a crack propagation method with multiple arbitrary crack paths in a three-dimensional shell structure is newly developed for the prediction of rupture in an aluminum beverage can. The suggested algorithm does not require global remeshing and there is no severe mesh dependency in the solution. The Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) method is used to improve the in-plane membrane behavior with one-point quadrature shell elements. The crack propagation is activated based on the CTOA (Crack Tip Opening Angle). The directions of the cracks are determined by the circumferential stress criterion. Mode-III (shearing mode) is also considered for the crack propagations. The predicted crack paths are in good agreement with experimental results. A fracture mechanics model to predict the critical rupture pressure is reviewed in the work. It is shown that the proposed algorithm can be successfully applied to the crack path prediction for the rupture of a pressure vessel.     

Time-domain BEM analysis of a rapidly growing crack in a bi-material

Rapid propagation of a matrix crack in a bi-material system is studied with emphasis on the dynamic interaction between the crack and the interface by combining the traditional time-domain displacement boundary element method (BEM) and the non-hypersingular traction BEM. The crack growth is controlled by the fracture criterion based on the maximum circumferential stress, and is modeled by adding new elements to the moving crack tip. Detailed computation is performed for an unbounded bi-material with a crack subjected to incident impact waves and a bounded rectangular bi-material plate under dynamic wedged loading. Numerical results of the crack growth path, speed, dynamic stress intensity factors (DSIFs) and dynamic interface tractions are presented for various material combinations and geometries. The effects of the interface on the crack growth are discussed.     

Computational dynamic fracture mechanics

This paper provides a review on the state of the art in computational dynamic fracture mechanics. The following important essential ingredients in computational dynamic fracture mechanics are included: (i) fundamental aspects of dynamic fracture mechanics, (ii) types of fracture simulation, (iii) computational models of dynamic crack propagation, and (iv) use of dynamic J-integral in computational models. In the item (i), a special attention is focused on the asymptotic eigen fields for various states of dynamic crack tips, which provide the foundation of dynamic fracture mechanics as Williams' asymptotic eigen solutions provided the foundation of static linear fracture mechanics. In the item (ii), a new concept of mixed-phase simulation is presented for general nonself-similar crack propagation, in addition to the generation-phase and application-phase simulations. A comprehensive summary of computational models for dynamic crack propagation is given in the item (iii). Finally, in the item (iv) several attractive features of the dynamic J-integral are presented. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Modelling on crack propagation behaviours at concrete matrix‐aggregate interface

A numerical model is proposed to simulate crack propagation at concrete matrix‐aggregate interface. One single aggregate surrounded by concrete matrix is taken to demonstrate the behaviours of crack penetration into concrete matrix and crack growth along the interface. Influences of side‐edge constraint, aggregate direction, and interface fracture energy on the crack propagation behaviours are respectively investigated. The results show that, tensile constraint on the side edge, a smaller angle between tensile axis and aggregate, and higher fracture energy lead to a higher rupture strength of the interface. Once the interface crack starts to grow, it propagates to the two ends of aggregate major axis drastically and further penetrates into the matrix. Nevertheless, these factors have no appreciable influence on crack propagation path. By mapping interface crack into major axis, ordinary crack is generated. Using the above simplification, modelling of multiple crack propagation in concrete is efficiently achieved.     

Investigation of crack propagation scatter in a gear tooth’s root

This paper describes the problem of determining crack initiation location and its influence on crack propagation in a gear tooth’s root. Three different load positions on the gear tooth’s flank were considered for this investigation of crack initiation and propagation. A special test device was used for the single tooth test. It can be concluded from the measurements that a crack can be initiated at very different locations in a tooth’s root and then propagate along its own paths. A numerical investigation into a crack initiation’s position and its influences on its propagation were carried out within the framework of linear fracture mechanics. The influence of a tooth’s load position, the geometry of the tooth’s root, and the influence of non-parallel load distribution on the tooth’s flank were considered when investigating the crack initiation’s position. Results show that linear fracture mechanics can be used for determining crack propagation, if better initial conditions for crack initiation are considered.     

Elastoplastic modelling of subsurface crack growth in rail/wheel contact problems

Propagation of small subsurface cracks subjected to shear under repeated rolling contact load is studied. An analytical crack model (Dugdale) with plastic strips at the two crack tips is employed. Compressive stresses promoting crack closure and friction between crack faces are considered. The triaxial stress state is used in the yield criterion. A damage criterion is suggested based on experimental LCF data. In a numerical study, critical crack lengths are found below which propagation of an existing crack should be effectively suppressed.