Two- and Three-Dimensional Numerical Investigation of the Influence of Holes on the Fatigue Crack Growth Path

Abstract

Problems in fracture mechanics are difficult when the appropriate analysis is unspecified, which is very common in most real-life situations. Finite element modeling is thus demonstrated to be an essential technique to overcome these problems. There are currently various software tools available for modeling fracture mechanics problems, but they are usually difficult to use, and obtaining accurate results is not an obvious task. This paper illustrates some procedures in two finite element programs to solve problems in two- and three-dimensional linear-elastic fracture mechanics, and an educational proposal is made to use this software for a better understanding of fracture mechanics. Crack modeling was done in a variety of ways depending on the software. The first is the well-known ANSYS, which is usually utilized in industry, and the second was a freely distributed code, called FRANC2D/L, from Cornell University. These software applications were used to predict the fatigue crack growth path as well as the associated stress intensity factors. The predicted results demonstrate that the fatigue crack is turned towards the hole. The fatigue crack growth paths are influenced by the varying positions and sizes of single holes, while two symmetrically distributed holes have no effect on the fatigue crack growth direction. The findings of the study agree with other experimental crack propagation studies presented in the literature that reveal similar crack propagation trajectory observations.

Experimental and numerical investigation of fracture toughness of hybrid glass/metal fiber reinforced polymer composites

“…This effect is depends on both the applied fatigue loading and the laminate's design characteristics, such as thickness of composites, stiffness, etc. Due to two fundamental mechanisms, i.e., delamination and shear deformation, each of these factors becomes significant [22][23][24][25]. It can also be said that the position of the metal fiber which is used to reinforce hybrid composites might influence the composite's resistance to fracture.…”

Influence of Fatigue Crack Formation and Propagation on Reliability of Steel Members

“…The most known ways of degradation of a steel member are corrosion of steel and fatigue processes [4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Verifying structure in terms of fatigue is an inseparable part of the new structural design or part of verifying the existing bridge structures [11][12][13][14][15]. An increase of crack due to fatigue damage changes the member cross-sectional characteristics, as decreasing in cross-sectional area, a second moment of area and section modulus.…”