Numerical Simulation of Multiple Cracking in ANSI 304 Stainless Steel Under Thermal Fatigue

Abstract

We simulate in this article for multiple cracking in ANSI 304 stainless steel under thermal fatigue loading, with the usage of a two-surfaces cyclic plastic model. The fatigue process of multiple cracks is studied, from crack nucleation to crack propagation. The simulation is performed in two steps. First, the crack nucleation is simulated. Monte-Carlo randomization is used to determine the size and the position of surface grains. A modified Jiang’s multiaxial fatigue damage model, in combination with linear damage accumulation law, is used to describe the damage of each grain on the specimen surface. Secondly, the growth behavior of short cracks and long cracks is simulated by using a generalized Paris’ law. The model presented in this study gives predictions in agreement with the experimental data in the depth direction.