A Novel Robust Remeshing Finite Element Technique for Fracture Propagation

In this work, a novel and robust remeshing algorithm for crack opening problems is proposed, combined with triangular plane stress finite elements. In the proposed algorithm, the crack tip efficiently propagates until a pre-established maximum crack length is achieved and the crack propagation direction is defined considering the maximum tangential stress criterion. The stress state at the crack tip is obtained using a weighted average of the stresses of the integration points adjacent to the crack tip, to smoothen the stress field near the crack tip. In order to achieve accurate stress fields in the vicinity of the singularity, the proposed algorithm establishes that there is always a fixed number of nodes and elements surrounding the crack tip. To verify the accuracy of the algorithm, three benchmark tests were analyzed and the solutions were compared with results available in the literature. It was observed that the proposed technique allows to maintain the meshes regular during the propagation process, significantly reducing the number of distorted elements, which solves one of the main problems when simulating crack propagation with the finite element method (FEM). Additionally, the obtained results allowed to understand that this algorithm generally leads to accurate crack paths.

Multi-Parameter Fracture Mechanics: Crack Approaching a Bi-Material Interface

Fracture behaviour of a crack approaching a bi-material interface is investigated. A three-point bending configuration of a cracked specimen is simulated numerically by means of the finite element method and the interaction between the crack and aggregate is studied. The crack deflection angle is estimated by means of the maximum tangential stress criterion in its classical as well as generalized (multi-parameter) form considering the Williams’ power series with various numbers of the higher-order terms for the tangential stress approximation. The influence of the elastic mismatch and of other parameters on the calculated initial crack propagation angle is discussed.

Numerical simulation of the interaction between a crack and an inclusion

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose the interaction integral method combing with a XFEM-based local mesh replacement method to evaluate both the stress intensity factors (SIFs) and T-stress at the crack tip near a circular inclusion. Design/methodology/approach Special attention is pay to the effect of T-stress on crack initiation angle in 2D composite medium. The generalized maximum tangential stress criterion is employed during the simulation which simultaneously involves the effects of the mixed-mode SIFs, the T-stress and a physical length scale rc (the size of the fracture process zone). Findings It is shown that T-stress could affect the crack initiation angle significantly for mixed-mode conditions. Varies types of material mismatch are also considered and their influences on T-stress are given quantitatively. Originality/value The proposed numerical method allows a considerable flexibility for such problems and provides a basic framework for quasi-static crack growth in materials containing complex interfaces.

Crack onset assessment near the sharp material inclusion tip by means of modified maximum tangential stress criterion

In the case of particle reinforced composites, where the particles are in a form of sharp material inclusions, singular stress concentration exists on each tip of each inclusion. This is due to the geometric and material discontinuities between matrix and particle. These points of stress concentration are susceptible of crack initiation and thus often responsible for failure of the whole structure. The modified maximum tangential stress criterion is employed in order to predict crack onset conditions.