Numerical Test of Crack Propagation Path in Asphalt Beam Using Coupled Extended Finite Element with Field Variable Method

Abstract

Based on extended finite element coupled with field variable method, fatigue damage numerical test of three point-bending beam with initial notch has been made to predict crack propagation path, numerical results showed : under the fatigue loading with 200Hz, and amplitude is 20KN, length of crack expanding was the biggest and crack grew as some angles with the initial crack during the first loading, crack propagated parallel to the initial angle during the other loading cycle. These results can fit the experiment very well. Using Fortran, A new user subroutine named USDFILD (User subroutine to redefine field variables at a material point) was also provided on the platform of ABAQUS, which can modal the change of physic material with time. This user subroutine can also import fatigue characterize of material into the model.