Stable crack growth in NiTi shape memory alloys: 3D finite element modeling and experimental validation

Crack growth in shape memory alloys under mode-I isothermal loading is simulated using finite element analysis. The experimental data refers to a compact tension (CT) experiment on near-equiatomic nickel-titanium (NiTi). The constitutive model used is calibrated from uniaxial experiments on the same material system. The simulation is run in a three-dimensional CT specimen modeled in Abaqus finite element suite using the virtual crack closure technique and an experimentally determined fracture toughness value. The numerical results provide a quantitative description of the observed stable crack growth in terms of load-displacement curve, deformation distribution, and size and shape of the stress-induced transformation zone close to the crack tip.