Computer simulation of plastic damage evolution in cracked body of low-carbon steel

Abstract

In this paper, the evolution of plastic damage and development of the damage zone ahead of a macro-crack in three point bend (TPB) and central cracked panel (CCP) specimens of low-carbon steel #20 (Chinese steel) are simulated by using the Finite Element Method, based on the coupled elasto-plasticity and damage constitutive equations. The sizes and shapes of the damage zone, as well as the distributions of plastic damage within it, are presented. Also, the effects of plastic damage on crack blunting and crack initiation are discussed.