Crack growth simulation in a functionally graded material plate with uniformly distributed pores using extended finite element method

Abstract

Functionally graded (FG) materials are tailored composites with varied material properties along a certain direction. These types of materials are abundant in nature, and engineers have also developed many functionally graded materials for various applications such as bio-implants, automotive, aerospace, and so on. These materials have improved strength, stiffness, toughness, and other properties in comparison to the bulk materials. Strength and fracture resistance are important parameters while selecting materials for any application. We have modelled a functionally graded plate with varied material properties along the width (y-axis) direction using commercial finite element analysis code, ABAQUS 6.14. One end of the plate has the material property of titanium while another end has the property of hydroxyapatite. The material property from titanium end to hydroxyapatite end varies linearly. The material gradation was implemented in the model using the pseudo temperature method. The plate was subjected to tensile and shear loadings. The crack growth in the plate under these loadings was simulated using the extended finite element method (XFEM). The FG plates with pore, and without pore, both cases were considered for the analysis. The crack under both shear and tensile loading was found to be deviating from its original path which can be attributed to material gradation as well as the loading. This type of material gradation is common while designing patient-specific bone plates to be implanted for supporting fractured bone. In these cases, titanium provides strength, and the upper hydroxyapatite helps in bioactivity so that bone regeneration will take place faster.