Abstract
Fatigue crack growth (FCG) is simulated here by node release, which is made when the accumulated plastic strain reaches a critical value. The numerical procedure is very robust, showing a very fast stabilization and independence relatively to the load considered for node release. A critical accumulated plastic strain of 110% was obtained for the 2024-T351 aluminium alloy, comparing the experimental value of da/dN for a crack length of 26.5 mm and a stress ratio of 0.1, with plane strain numerical predictions. This critical value was used to predict da/dN for different crack lengths. The da/dN-ΔK curve was found to be linear in log-log plot with a slope m = 2.4, which is lower than the slope m = 3.6 presented by the experimental results. The difference is attributed to crack tip mechanisms activated at relatively high loads. The variation of stress ratio and stress state did not affect the da/dN-ΔK curves, which indicates that the effect of these parameters is not linked to crack tip plastic deformation. FCG rate was also predicted for the 7050-T6 aluminium alloy and the 18Ni300 maraging steel, and slopes m = 3.09 and 2.70, respectively, were obtained for da/dN-ΔK curves. The predictions obtained for the steel agreed well with experimental results.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
