The crack-modelling technique: optimization of parameters

The crack-modelling technique is a method for prediction of fatigue in components using finite element (FE) analysis. The technique, which is based on the estimation of equivalent K factors for stress-concentrators, has had some initial success in analysing components of complex shape, but this has raised a number of questions about the potential accuracy of the method and its sensitivity to the choice of operating parameters. The present paper reports on a systematic study using four different specimen types and one component geometry. Accurate estimates of equivalent K values are shown to be possible for both sharp notches and blunt notches, loaded in uniaxial tension or bending, using a very simple approach in which the stress distribution from the notch is compared to that from a standard cracked body. The method shows some sensitivity to the optimization routines used, and to some extent to the choice of the standard cracked body. It is relatively insensitive to mesh refinement and can be used with simple, elastic FE models.