A new formulated method of a quasi-compatible finite-element and its application in fracture-mechanics

Based on the local properties of a singular field, the displacement pattern of an isoparametric element is improved and a new formulated method of a quasi-compatible finite element is proposed in this paper. This method can be used to solve various engineering problems containing singular distribution, especially, the singular field existing at the tip of cracks. The singular quasi-compatible element (SQCE) is constructed. The characteristics of the elements are analysed from various angles and many examples of calculations are performed. The results show that this method has many significant advantages, by which, the numerical analysis of brittle fracture problems can be solved.

Fracture analysis for 3-dimensional bodies with a surface crack

This paper deals with fracture analyses in 3-dimensional bodies containing a surface crack. A general solution of stress-strain fields at crack tip is proposed. Based on the stress-strain fields obtained, a high-order 3-dimensional special element is established to calculate the stress intensity factors in a plate with a surface crack. The variation of stress intensity factors with geometric parameters is investigated.

Influence of secondary void damage in the matrix material around voids

The mechanism of ductile damage caused by secondary void damage in the matrix around primary voids is studied by large strain, finite element analysis. A cylinder embedding an initially spherical void, a plane stress cell with a circular void and plane strain cell with a cylindrical or a flat void are analysed under different loading conditions. Secondary voids of smaller scale size nucleate in the strain hardening matrix, according to the requirements of some stress/strain criteria. Their growth and coalescence, handled by the empty element technique, demonstrate distinct mechanisms of damage as circumstances change. The macroscopic stress-strain curves are decomposed and illustrated in the form of the deviatoric and the volumetric parts. Concerning the stress response and the void growth prediction, comparisons are made between the present numerical results and those of previous authors. It is shown that loading condition, void growth history and void shape effect incorporated with the interaction between two generations of voids should be accounted for besides the void volume fraction.

A note on fracture toughnesses of unidirectional composites

presented in a general form where more reasonable relations for the two-phase

Additional response: Additional discussion of “Mixed mode ductile fracture using the strain energy density criterion”

boundary-layer flows, the skin friction and wall heat-transfer are higher and the

Response: Discussion of “Mixed Mode ductile fracture using the strain energy density criterion,” by E.E. Gdoutos

thermal conduction, and acoustic wave propagation are included. This

Application of the strain energy density criterion to ductile fracture

The strain energy density criterion due to Sih is used to predict fracture loads of two thin plates subjected to large elastic-plastic deformation. The prediction is achieved with a finite element analysis which is based on Hill's variational principle for incremental deformations capable of solving gross yielding problems involving arbitrary amounts of deformation. The computed results are in excellent agreement with those obtained in Sih's earlier analysis and with an experimental observation.

The influence of microcrack density on the elastic and fracture mechanical properties of stripa granite

Microcracks can have a strong influence on the elastic and fracture mechanical properties of rocks if they are numerous, or if they are orientated in unfavourable directions in anisotropic rocks in particular. This paper presents results from a great number of mechanical tests on Stripa granite containing various amounts of microcracks. Variations in the microcrack density were obtained by shock-heating the rock at different temperatures in the range 100–600°C for 3 h.