4.6 - Advanced numerical modeling techniques for crack nucleation and propagation

Abstract

Over the past decades, many researchers have studied fractured surfaces due to fretting, from both the experimental and numerical points of view. The latter provides interesting tools to estimate fretting fatigue lives, which are of great interest. Here an overview of current advances in estimation of both crack nucleation and propagation phases is presented. The damage criteria for the analysis of crack nucleation can be categorized into four major groups, namely (i) the critical plane approach, (ii) the continuum damage mechanics approach, (iii) the stress invariant approach, and (iv) the fretting specific parameters. The efficacy of damage models related to these approaches is assessed to predict the crack initiation location, orientation, and crack nucleation life in comparison to experimental results. For the crack propagation phase, the traditional linear elastic fracture mechanics and the advanced cyclic cohesive zone models are presented and discussed. Results comparing numerical simulations, validated using experimental data from the literature, are also discussed at the end of this chapter.