Abstract
In this study, the main objective was the creation of a code, which gives the capability to a Finite Element Analysis Program with no built-in crack study tools, to study the propagation of a crack, in a cracked surface. For this purpose, the Finite Element Program FEMAP 11.3.2 with solver the NX NASTRAN has been used, and the proposed code was created, using the Application Program Interface (API) of the program. The Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) theory has been applied to the code, and can predict, if the crack will propagate, the trajectory of the crack, as well as the number of cycle loads required for the propagation of the crack, for given boundary conditions and loads. Finally, the Stress Intensity Factors (SIF) produced by the program, were compared with results from analytical method. Also, experimental results have been used, for the verification of the results of the trajectory of the propagation, and the cycle loads.
Highlights
I t is well known that numerous thin-wall metal structures, for instance in ships and airplanes, during their lifetime, show cracks in various places
A code was created in order for the finite element analysis (FEA) program FEMAP 11.3.2, to be able to study fracture mechanics problems
In order to verify the results produced by the proposed code in FEMAP, analytical calculations and experimental results were used
Summary
I t is well known that numerous thin-wall metal structures, for instance in ships and airplanes, during their lifetime, show cracks in various places. Researchers use various finite element analysis (FEA) software to study fracture mechanics problems [9,10]. The majority of these studies are conducted with FEA programs with built-in tools (for example ANSYS [11,12] and ABAQUS [13,14]), which can calculate the stress intensity factors at the tip of a crack. In order to encounter the singularity 1/ r at the crack tip, the code is programmed to calculate the Stress Intensity Factors (KI, KII, and KIII) using the Crack Opening Displacement (COD) method [16]. Using a FEA program and taking into consideration the crack opening displacement, the SIF KI, KII, and KIII (mode I, mode II, and mode III respectively) can be obtained from the following equations [16] (see Fig. 1): KI
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