Method for calculating G, GI, and GII to simulate crack growth in 2D, multiple-material structures

Abstract A finite element approach for calculating the energy release rate ( G ) and individual modes ( G I and G II ) when simulating crack growth through a two-dimensional composite material is presented. A new mesh-substitution scheme is used with basic fracture mechanics concepts to automatically calculate G , G I , and G II for potential growth along material interfaces and at different kink angles. The method is general and can be used when investigating interface cracks, substrate cracks (i.e., cracks contained in a material region), and substrate cracks with tips touching one or more interfaces. For bimaterial interface cracks, a coupled energy release rate ( G I–II ) is determined, and complex stress intensity factor components are calculated. A complete crack propagation framework, which includes the developed methods, is presented and then used to simulate crack growth through a composite material.