Abstract
In this paper, the fatigue crack growth simulation of two non-coplanar embedded cracks using the s-version finite element method is presented, and the validity and reliability of the alignment rule for two non-coplanar cracks are evaluated. According to the previous numerical and experimental studies on two non-coplanar surface cracks, the simulated fatigue crack growth behavior is categorized into five patterns to discuss the criteria for the application of the alignment rule. The results suggest that the strength of interaction between the non-coplanar embedded cracks is similar to that between non-coplanar surface cracks. Finally, the interaction of the cracks is evaluated by the stress intensity factor, and the categorization of the fatigue crack growth behavior is discussed by the stress intensity factor. It can be found that the boundary corresponding to the criteria of the application of the alignment rule can be determined as the ratio of the stress intensity factor is 4%. Thus, instead of making a decision of the fatigue crack growth pattern based on the visual inspection, the ratio of the stress intensity factor can be used, and should give more quantitative evaluation of the interaction of two non-coplanar embedded cracks.
Highlights
Fatigue crack growth is a classical but critical issue to ensure the structural reliability
I n this paper, we focus on the validity and reliability of the alignment rule in the fitness-for service (FFS) code, the fatigue crack growth behavior of two non-coplanar embedded cracks are simulated
Fatigue crack growth simulations of two non-coplanar embedded cracks are performed using the s-version finite element method (s-FEM), and the fatigue crack growth behavior is evaluated by the visual inspection and the ratio of stress intensity factor
Summary
Fatigue crack growth is a classical but critical issue to ensure the structural reliability. In order to evaluate the validity and reliability of the alignment and combination rules, it is necessary to check the fatigue crack growth behavior and the interaction of the non-coplanar cracks. The global and local meshes can be separately modelled so that the complexity in the mesh generation of cracked structures can be drastically reduced This remarkable property of sFEM in the mesh generation process is a great advantage in the fatigue crack growth simulation, where the finite element meshes must be repeatedly remodeled in accordance with the updated crack shape. According to the previous numerical and experimental studies on two non-coplanar surface cracks [6], the simulated fatigue crack growth behavior is categorized into five patterns to discuss the criteria for the application of the alignment rule. The interaction of the cracks is evaluated by the stress intensity factor, and the categorization of the fatigue crack growth behavior is discussed in terms of the stress intensity factor
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