Coupled FEM-DBEM Simulation of 3D Crack Growth under Fatigue Load Spectrum

Numerical predictions of fatigue crack growth under load spectrum are obtained by coupled FEM-DBEM approach. An initial part-through corner crack, in a pre-notched specimen undergoing a traction fatigue load, propagates becoming through the thickness. A two parameter crack growth law (“Unified Approach”) is calibrated by in house made constant amplitude experimental tests and the crack growth retardation after an overload application is reproduced. The residual stresses responsible for such retardation are calculated by a sequence of elastic-plastic static FEM analysis; such stresses are then applied to the crack faces for the propagation simulation in a DBEM environment. A satisfactory agreement between numerical and experimental crack growth rates are displayed, for both part-through crack and through the thickness crack. This approach provide general modeling capabilities, with allowance for general crack front shape and fully automatic propagation.