Modelling of Crack Propagation in Layered Structures Using Extended Finite Element Method
Abstract: Crack propagation in
structures is an important issue which is engineers and designers should
consider. Modeling crack propagation in structures and study the behavior of
this phenomenon can give a better insight to engineers and designers for
selecting the construction’s materials. Extended finite element method (XFEM)
was used successfully in the past few years for simulating crack initiation and
propagation in sophisticated and complex geometries in elastic fracture
mechanics. In this paper, crack propagation in three-point bending beam
including initial crack was modeled based on ABAQUS software. The following
consequences were attained through the study of simulation data. First, the
effects of young’s modulus and fracture energy on force-displacement curve at
three-point bending beam were investigated. It was observed that, by increasing
the value of young’s modulus and fracture energy, three-point bending beam was
showed more load carrying against initiation. Second, in multi-layer beam, the
effect of young’s modulus on force-displacement curve was investigated. In case
I (the thin upper layer is harder than the substrate) the value of young’s
modulus in substrate was kept constant and the amount of young’s modulus in
thin layer was risen in each step rather than the substrate, the peak in
force-displacement curve was ascended and three-point bending beam resisted
better against crack initiation. Next, similar conditions was considered in
case II (the thin upper layer is softer than the substrate), by decreasing the
value of young’ modulus in top layer, peak in force-displacement curve was
declined and crack initiation was happened in lower loading in each step.
Finally, sensitivity analysis for thickness of top layer was conducted and the
impact of this parameter was studied.
Keywords: Extended Finite
Element Method (XFEM); Fracture; Three-Point Bending Beam; Crack Propagation
Author: Hesamoddin Nasaj
Moghaddam, Ali Keyhani, Iman Aghayan
Journal Code: jptsipilgg160035
