Finite Element Simulation of Stable Fatigue Crack Growth Using Critical CTOD Determined by Preliminary Finite Element Analysis

Finite element simulation of stable fatigue crack growth using critical crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) was done. In the preliminary finite element simulation without crack growth, the critical CTOD was determined by monitoring the ratio between the displacement increments at the nodes above the crack tip and behind the crack tip in the neighborhood of the crack tip. The critical CTOD was determined as the vertical displacement at the node on the crack surface just behind the crack tip at the maximum ratio. In the main finite element simulation with crack growth, the crack growth rate with respect to the effective stress intensity factor range considering crack closure yielded more consistent result. The exponents m in the Paris law were determined.