Elastic-plastic finite element analysis of dynamic fracture

Recent evidence has pointed to the possible inadequacy of elastodynamic treatments of rapid crack propagation and crack arrest. This paper describes the development of a dynamic elastic-plastic finite element capability designed to address this concern by taking direct account of crack tip plasticity. Comparisons with known dynamic fracture mechanics solutions and with experimental data are made to demonstrate the fidelity of the approach. A comparison with an elastodynamic solution in an impact loaded 4340 steel bend specimen is also made. This result reveals that a significant effect of crack tip plasticity may exist even for high strength materials.