Fatigue crack growth characteristics of Fe and Ni under cyclic loading using a quasi-continuum method

Abstract

A quasi-continuum (QC) method based on the embedded atom method (EAM) potential was employed to investigate the fatigue crack growth and expansion characteristics of single-crystal Fe and Ni under cyclic loading modes I and II. In particular, the crack growth and expansion characteristics of Fe and Ni under cyclic loading were evaluated in terms of atomic stress fields and force–distance curves. The simulation results indicated that under cyclic loading, the initially damaged area of the crack will coalesce again after compression or shear to the initial geometry leading to a strengthening of the material. If no coalescence appears, the crack spreads rapidly and the material breaks. Moreover, under the cyclic loading of shear at any orientation, the slip dislocation observed in the materials considerably affects the release of stress.