Crack Propagation by Finite Element Analysis in Automotive Components 2010-36-0003
Crack propagation simulation began with the development of the
finite element method; the analyses were conducted to obtain a
basic understanding of the crack growth and closure processes.
Today structural and materials engineers develop structures and
materials properties using this technique. The aim of this paper is
to verify the effect of different crack propagation rates in
determination of crack opening and closing stress of an ASTM
specimen under a standard suspension spectrum loading from FD&E
SAE Keyhole Specimen Test Load Histories by finite element
analysis. The crack propagation simulation was based on release
nodes in the minimum loads to minimize convergence problems. To
understand the crack propagation processes under variable amplitude
loading, retardation effects are observed.