STRESS INTENSITY FACTOR AND J INTEGRAL CALCULATION USING FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION

Abstract

Introduction:
The finite element method has become popular to determine fracture mechanics parameters, but this type of numerical analysis may or not lead to accurate results, depending on the model quality and the implementation of the established methods.
Objective:
Implement and validate the calculation of the stress intensity factor and the J integral through the displacement extrapolation, domain integral and interaction integral methods, through finite element modeling of cracked part problems in 2D and 3D.
Materials and methods:
The stress intensity factor and the integral J were calculated in a compact cracked specimen and a plate with a semi-circumferential surface crack, by means of 2D and 3D finite element models, and these results were verified with those obtained by means of published analytical expressions.
Results and Discussion:
The error of the results provided by the finite element models does not exceed 3% for the two-dimensional models and 7% for the three-dimensional ones, which demonstrates their quality and precision.
Conclusions:
The implementation of the calculation of the fracture mechanics parameters is considered validated, which makes it possible to extend its use in the future for constructions and equipment that present cracking in service.