Finite element-based phase field simulation of complex branching crack propagation under different loads

Abstract

The tensile failure of complex branching cracks will cause irreversible damage to the structures. In this paper, the effects of the crack orientations, the local branch lengths, and the different load forms on the crack propagation pattern and the bearing capacity of structures are investigated based on the phase field method and experimental research method. The results show that the bearing capacity and propagation patterns of the specimens change significantly with the change of the orientation of the Y-shaped crack under tensile load. The local branch length of the crack only affects the sequence in which the regional crack reaches the final failure and the bearing capacity of the specimen. Under the dynamic impact load, the bifurcation phenomenon occurs, and with the increase of the dynamic impact load, the number of bifurcations increases. The crack propagation pattern in the numerical simulation is completely consistent with the experiment, and the difference in the maximum reaction force is 2.5%.

Keywords:

• Phase field method
• dynamic fracture
• experimental verification
• complex branching crack
• ABAQUS UEL&UMAT

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Mechanical Experiment Center of Harbin Engineering University for providing experimental instruments and technical guidance. The first author would like to acknowledge the studentship supported by the China Scholarship Council (NO.202106680040) and the visiting Ph.D. student position offered by the Technical University of Denmark.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.