Mesh Sensitivity Assessment on 2D and 3D Elastic Finite Element Analysis on a Compact Tension Specimen Geometry Using Abaqus/CAE Software

Abstract

Finite element analysis has been a tool mostly employed by engineers to conduct stress and strain analysis of a given specimen geometry, after which the numerical and analytical results are compared for validation. The validated results can then be used to predict the stress/strain and fracture mechanics behavior of more complicated structures/components. In this study, Abaqus/CAE software was employed to conduct 2- and 3-dimensionals (2D and 3D) elastic finite element analysis on compact tension C(T) specimen geometry, given a specimen width of 50mm, thickness of 25mm, initial crack length of 25mm and total applied load of 1000N. Comparisons of the predicted stress distributions along both X and Y directions (S11 and S22) from the 3D model and those of 2D plane stress/strain obtained from mesh sensitivity results were made. The highest maximum stress values along X and Y directions for 2D plane stress/strain were found to be 297.144Pa and 413.51Pa respectively, while the lowest maximum stress values of 121.681Pa and 166.614Pa for 2D plane stress, 118.121Pa and 165.049Pa for 2D plane strain in the X and Y directions respectively were recorded. Similarly, the highest and lowest maximum stress values for 3D plane stress along X and Y directions were 333.8588Pa and 474.417Pa, and 124.458Pa and 173.422Pa respectively. The stress values were found to increase as the mesh get finer, and also convergence start to initiate as the mesh refinement continued.