Date of Award

2013-01-01

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor(s)

Jack F. Chessa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to benchmark ABAQUS modeling capabilities for crack propagation and calculation of energy release rate against closed-form analytical solutions. The crack growth capability for this study was evaluated using the following techniques: virtual crack closure technique (VCCT), X-FEM coupled with VCCT, and X-FEM coupled with cohesive segments. The capability of calculating the energy release rate was assessed by using the J-integral routine. A Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimen was used to conduct the study for mode I propagation, and a mixed mode bending (MMB) specimen was used to study the propagation for mixed mode I/II with a mixed mode ratio of GII/GT=0.5, both specimens were modeled using elastic properties. The contour integral analysis for energy release rate was done by modeling an edge crack in an infinite plate in tension. Results obtained for crack growth and energy release were in good agreement with the closed-from analytical solutions, load/displacement plots and contour integral results are presented. Overall, results are encouraging but further assessment for comparing ABAQUS against experimental results is strongly suggested.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

66 pages

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Luis Alonso Hernandez

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