Numerical and experiment fracture modeling for multiple cracks of a finite aluminum plate

In the present paper, an extended finite element method for prediction of stress intensity factor, fracture toughness, and failure load for multiple cracks configurations of finite Aluminum alloy plate are examined using ABAQUS software. The tensile experiment is performed to evaluate failure load, and fracture toughness for multiple cracks configurations. The extended finite element method predicted fracture parameters are compared with experimental results and conventional finite element results, shows an excellent agreement. Typical numerical results are presented to examine the effect of specimen thickness, characteristic length, crack inclination angle, and mode - I crack offset distance on the fracture parameters of multiple cracks configurations. Based on the numerical predictions, new mathematical models for estimation of stress intensity factor for multiple cracks configurations are introduced. The proposed mathematical model is useful while assessing the damage tolerance behavior of structural components/assemblies mainly for aircraft structure.