Microcrack propagation under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions using generalised phase-field formulation

The aim of this work is to model complex fracture and fatigue processes in microstructural geometries of nodular cast iron. Herein, recently developed generalised phase-field formulation for modelling fracture in brittle and ductile solids subjected to both monotonic and cyclic loading is employed. Three different sized microstructural specimens are analysed using different modelling options to investigate the transition between brittle and ductile fracture material behaviour. The results demonstrate the ability of the proposed model to reproduce crack nucleation and complex crack propagation patterns. Moreover, the low- and high-cyclic fatigue regime features are presented in terms of fracture patterns and Wo center dot hler-type curve.

Automated summary

This study aims to model complex fracture and fatigue processes in microstructural geometries of nodular cast iron using a recently developed generalised phase-field formulation. The results demonstrate the ability of the proposed model to reproduce crack nucleation and complex crack propagation patterns, as well as present features of low- and high-cyclic fatigue regime.