Yet Another Approach to Fatigue Crack Growth Simulation

The analysis of a material that is subjected to variable loads is a complex subject and generally treated separately by fatigue and fracture mechanics. We present an attempt to extend the validity of conventional fatigue approach (here strain-life) in the scope fracture. This was achieved by introducing a zero thickness cohesive contact element coupled with a damage parameter that was developed from material observations of strain controlled fatigue experiments. The presented simulation framework results in a predictable crack growth direction on a compact tension specimen, although further experimentation is needed to validate the proposed approach.

Automated summary

The analysis of a material under variable loads is a complex subject, typically addressed separately by fatigue and fracture mechanics. In this study, we attempt to extend the applicability of the conventional fatigue approach (strain-life) to include fracture. This is achieved by introducing a zero thickness cohesive contact element coupled with a damage parameter derived from material observations of strain controlled fatigue experiments. The presented simulation framework demonstrates predictable crack growth direction on a compact tension specimen, although further experimentation is needed to validate the proposed approach.