An Adaptive Finite Element Framework for Fatigue Crack Propagation under Constant Amplitude Loading

An adaptive Finite Element framework for fatigue crack propagation analysis under constant amplitude loading is proposed. This framework combines the simplicity of standard industrial fatigue crack propagation analysis with the generality and accuracy of a full Finite Element analysis and can be implemented by combining standard existing computational tools. The equivalent domain integral method has been used to predict the fatigue crack direction as well as the corresponding stress-intensity factors is estimated at each small crack increment. The propagation is modeled by successive linear extensions, which are determined by the stress intensity factors under linear elastic assumption. The procedure is applied to the fatigue analysis of two internal parallel cracks specimen. The fatigue life cycle analysis is based upon Paris' equation. The proposed methodology is implemented in an interactive graphics computational scheme for 2D finite element analysis, which includes modeling, analysis, and visualization capabilities. The numerical results are validated with other relevant researcher's results.