Extended finite element method for fretting fatigue crack propagation

In this paper, the extended finite element method (X-FEM) is considered for the analysis of fretting fatigue problems. A two-dimensional implementation of the X-FEM is carried out within the finite element software ABAQUS™ by means of user subroutines, and crack propagation in fretting fatigue problems is investigated. On utilizing the non-linear contact capabilities of this code, the numerical technique is applied to a specimen-indenter model. The use of the X-FEM facilitates very accurate stress intensity factor computations on relatively coarse meshes, and furthermore, no remeshing is required for crack growth simulations. The implementation is applied to complete and incomplete contact fretting problems. A study of crack growth is conducted for several bulk loads applied to the specimen, and the influence of the initial crack angle is ascertained. The numerical simulations reveal the merits of applying the X-FEM to fretting fatigue problems.