Rate dependent cohesive zone model for fatigue crack growth

Experimental observations indicate that the frequency of cyclic loads can influence fatigue crack growth. To address this phenomenon in simulation modelling, this study introduces a rate-dependent cohesive zone model designed for analysing fatigue crack growth under arbitrary cyclic loading conditions. The model operates in the time domain, where both critical traction and fracture toughness are modelled as functions of the separation rate, thereby considering the rate dependency of material damage and cracking. Unlike conventional models, this approach does not rely directly on loading frequency, suggesting its capability to address fatigue crack growth under non-periodic loading or repeated impacts effectively. An algorithm for modelling fatigue crack evolution and growth was developed based on this model, employing a time-incremental strategy in conjunction with a linear cumulative damage method. This algorithm was implemented in ABAQUS using a user element subroutine (UEL). The effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm is validated through examples of fatigue crack growth in a plate under cyclic loading with varying frequencies. The results demonstrate agreement with experimental and computational findings reported in the literature. Additionally, the model was applied to scenarios involving frequency-variable cyclic loadings, yielding reasonable outcomes. Analysis of these examples confirms the model's utility in predicting fatigue crack growth under diverse alternating load conditions.