Abstract
int_defects is a free and open-source toolbox for MATLAB which uses the Abaqus finite element analysis suite to automate the analysis of interacting crack-like flaws in structures. It is designed to aid the development of flaw interaction criteria for structural integrity assessment procedures and to simplify sensitivity analysis of flaw proximity. It can also perform automatic 3D elastic, elastic-plastic or limit load analysis of elliptical embedded flaws and semi-elliptical surface flaws in plates and thick-walled pipes under a wide range of loading conditions. This technical note outlines the capabilities of int_defects and gives some examples of its use.
Highlights
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) can be used to investigate structures containing crack-like flaws
Compendia of functions which relate the load applied to a structure containing a crack-like flaw to the crack tip Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) or J-integral, or the structure’s plastic limit load, are used widely in practical fracture-mechanics-based analysis of structural integrity [1]
In the Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) approach, which forms the basis of general-purpose structural integrity assessment procedures such as BS 7910 [2] and R6 [3], compendia of SIF and limit load solutions are used to minimise the need to perform numerical modelling of structures containing crack-like flaws on a case-by-case basis
Summary
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) can be used to investigate structures containing crack-like flaws. Compendia of functions which relate the load applied to a structure containing a crack-like flaw to the crack tip Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) or J-integral, or the structure’s plastic limit load, are used widely in practical fracture-mechanics-based analysis of structural integrity [1] These pre-calculated functions are normally based on numerical modelling results, often with experimental validation for selected cases. Description and capabilities int_defects can determine SIFs, J-integrals and plastic limit loads for single semi-elliptical surface cracks and elliptical embedded cracks of arbitrary size/shape in a plate or pipe of finite thickness, as well as co-planar pairs of such cracks. In addition to its primary use for investigating defect interaction, int_defects can be used for parametric studies of single cracks This is useful for compiling compendia of pre-calculated SIF, limit load and strain energy release rate solutions for use in assessment. Validation of int_defects by comparison of results with well-known elastic, elastic-plastic and limit load solutions has been performed; some example validation cases are given in Appendix A
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