Thermo-electro-structural coupled analyses of crack arrest by Joule heating

Using the finite element method, thermo-electro-structural coupled analyses of the cracked conducting plate under high electric current have been solved. The crack contact condition and temperature-dependent material properties are considered in this analysis. The crack tip temperature, electric current density factor, stress intensity factor and strain energy density factor are obtained for discussions. Due to high electric current density and Joule heating at the crack tip, a circular melting area may exist around the tip. After cooling, a circular void or hole may occur at the crack tip and the crack arrest is achieved. The crack tip temperature decreases when the crack contact area increases. The proper tensile load is necessary for making the crack open enough and causing high current density at the crack tip and associated crack arrest. On the other hand, the crack tip temperature increases with time by the increasing external current and Joule heating. The values of mode-I stress intensity factor and strain energy density factor decrease with time due to the thermal deformation around the crack tip. Because of the temperature-dependent resistivity, the variation of the electric current density factor is complicated. In addition, it is not easy to create a crack-arrest condition when the crack length relative to the plate width is too small. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.