Finite element simulation of dynamic crack propagation process using an arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation

2013 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 533-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. AMINI ◽  
A. R. SHAHANI
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Crack Propagation ◽  
Finite Element Simulation ◽  
Dynamic Crack Propagation ◽  
Dynamic Crack ◽  
Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian ◽  
Propagation Process ◽  
Eulerian Formulation ◽  
Element Simulation ◽  
Crack Propagation Process

Dynamic Crack Propagation and Arrest in PWR Pressure Vessel Steel: Interpretation of Experiment With the X-FEM Method

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Prabel ◽  
S. Marie ◽  
A. Combescure
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Crack Propagation ◽  
Strain Rate ◽  
Thermal Shock ◽  
Crack Growth ◽  
Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar ◽  
Dynamic Crack Propagation ◽  
Dynamic Crack ◽  
Pressure Vessel Steel ◽  
Vessel Steel

In the frame of analysis of the pressure thermal shock in a PWR RVP and the associated R&D activities, some developments are performed at CEA on the dynamic brittle propagation and crack arrest. This paper presents a PhD work on the modeling of the dynamic brittle crack growth. For the analyses, an important experimental work is performed on different geometries using a French RPV ferritic steel: Compact Tension specimens with different thickness, isothermal rings under compression with different positions of the initial defect to study a mixed mode configuration, and a ring submitted to thermal shock. The first part of this paper details the test conditions and main results. To propose an accurate interpretation of the crack growth, a viscous-elastic-plastic dynamic model is used. The strain rate influence is taken into account based on Cowper-Symond’s law (characterization was made from Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar tests). To model the crack propagation in the Finite Element calculation, eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) is used. The implementation of these specific elements in the CEA F.E. software CAST3M is described in the second part of this paper. This numerical technique avoids re-meshing, because the crack progress is directly incorporated in the degrees of freedom of the elements crossed by the crack. The last part of this paper compares the F.E. predictions to the experimental measurements using different criteria. In particular, we focused on a RKR (Ritchie-Knott-Rice) like criterion using a critical principal stress in the front of the crack tip during the dynamic crack extension. Critical stress is found to depend on crack speed, or equivalently on strain rate. Good results are reported concerning predictive simulations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document