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Three-dimensional nonplanar fracture model using the surface integral method

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Abstract

A computer code based on the use of the surface integral method, which represents a crack as a distribution of force dipoles, has been developed for modeling 3D nonplanar fractures. The nonplanar geometry was approximated as piecewise linear by subdividing the fracture surface into triangular elements that assume constant crack opening in the interior, and a p 1/2 variation of opening along the crack front. The resulting singular integral equations were integrated using a combination of numerical and analytical techniques.

Convergence studies using the surface integral formulation have yielded accurate stress intensity factors and crack opening displacements for both planar and nonplanar cracks under a variety of mixed mode loading conditions. Elliptical meshes were mapped on to cylindrical and spherical surfaces to model nonplanar fractures that could be compared to published results. Also, a high aspect ratio rectangular mesh was used to model a nonplanar kinked crack under plane strain conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Clarkson University, 13699, Potsdam, New York, USA

    S. C. Forth & W. D. Keat

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  1. S. C. Forth
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  2. W. D. Keat
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Forth, S.C., Keat, W.D. Three-dimensional nonplanar fracture model using the surface integral method. Int J Fract 77, 243–262 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00018780

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00018780

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