Numerical determination of fatigue crack growthin 3D structures consisting ofnon-homogeneous and/or non-isotropic materials

摘要

Within the scope of this contribution the numerical simulation of crack propagationrnprocesses in three-dimensional structures under consideration of material inhomogeneities as wellrnas effects of non-isotropy will be discussed. The inhomogeneity of a material thereby is realised notrnby a continuous, but by a discrete approach with a number of material interfaces. In the context ofrnan automatic 3D-simulation the correct assignment of material properties to the new elements,rnwhich need to be generated in the process of mesh adaptation due to crack propagation is a specialrnissue. For orthotropic materials the correct numerical calculation of stress intensity factors is bitrnmore complicated. Those problems will extensively be discussed. Additional simulation examplesrnwill demonstrate the capability of the new program features.