Surface crack growth simulation under mixed mode cyclic loading condition

Surface crack growth process by fatigue is simulated using S-version FEM. Complicated crack growth process in 3-dimensional field under mixed mode loading condition can be modelled easily by this method. Simulation results are compared with experimental ones, and it is pointed out that several factors should be taken into account for the accurate prediction of surface crack growth under mixed mode cyclic loading condition. One of them is plasticity induced crack closure effect, which becomes significant near free surface of the specimen and delays crack growth rate. Another factor is the effect of KIII at the deepest point of surface crack, which results factory roof on the fracture surface and affects crack growth rate, too. Effects of these 2 factors are studied by numerical simulation and they are considered in the crack growth analysis. It is shown that accurate and conservative predictions of surface crack growth processes are conducted well. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of ICM11