Quasi-Static Simulation of Crack Growth in Elastic Materials Considering Internal Boundaries and Interfaces

Abstract

This work presents numerical methods used for predicting crack paths in technicalstructures based on the theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics. The FE-method is usedin combination with an efficient remeshing algorithm to simulate crack growth. A post pro-cessor providing loading parameters such as the J-integral and stress intensity factors (SIF) ispresented. Path-independent contour integrals are used to avoid special requirements concern-ing crack tip meshing and to enable efficient calculations for domains including interfaces andinternal boundaries. In particular, the interaction of cracks and internal boundaries and inter-faces is investigated. The simulation combines crack propagation within elastic bodies and atbi-material interfaces. The latter is based on a cohesive zone model. The presented numericalresults of crack paths are verified by experiments.