Numerical simulation of elastic plastic fatigue crack growth in functionally graded material using the extended finite element method

ABSTRACTIn the present work, the extended finite element method has been used to simulate the fatigue crack growth problems in functionally graded material in the presence of holes, inclusions, and minor cracks under plastic and plane stress conditions for both edge and center cracks. Both soft and hard inclusions have been implemented in the problems. The validity of linear elastic fracture mechanics theory is limited to the brittle materials. Therefore, the elastic plastic fracture mechanics theory needs to be utilized to characterize the plastic behavior of the material. A generalized Ramberg-Osgood material model has been used for modeling purposes.