3D Analysis of Crack Growth in Metal Using Tension Tests and XFEM

To prevent the occurrence of fractures in metal structures, it is very important to evaluate the 3D crack growth process in those structures and any related parts. In this study, tension tests and two simulations, namely, Simulation-I and Simulation-II, were performed using XFEM to evaluate crack growth in three dimensions. In the tension test, Mode I crack growth was observed for a notched metal specimen. In Simulation-I, a 3D reconstructed model of the specimen was created using CT images of the specimen. Using this model, an FE model was constructed, and crack growth was simulated using XFEM. In Simulation-II, an ideal notch FE model of the same geometric size as the actual specimen was created and then used for simulation. Obtained crack growth simulation results were then compared. Crack growth in the metal specimen was evaluated in three dimensions. It was shown that modeling the real shape of a structure with a crack may be essential for accurately evaluating 3D crack growth.