Numerical simulation of the interaction between a crack and an inclusion

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose the interaction integral method combing with a XFEM-based local mesh replacement method to evaluate both the stress intensity factors (SIFs) and T-stress at the crack tip near a circular inclusion.Design/methodology/approachSpecial attention is pay to the effect of T-stress on crack initiation angle in 2D composite medium. The generalized maximum tangential stress criterion is employed during the simulation which simultaneously involves the effects of the mixed-mode SIFs, the T-stress and a physical length scale rc (the size of the fracture process zone).FindingsIt is shown that T-stress could affect the crack initiation angle significantly for mixed-mode conditions. Varies types of material mismatch are also considered and their influences on T-stress are given quantitatively.Originality/valueThe proposed numerical method allows a considerable flexibility for such problems and provides a basic framework for quasi-static crack growth in materials containing complex interfaces.