Investigation of Fracture Prediction Capability of XFEM and Finite Element Method Using SENT Specimens

This study investigates the fracture behavior of single-edge notched tension (SENT) specimens made from API X52 vintage pipeline steel by comparing the extended finite element method (XFEM) and the traditional finite element method (FEM). Both methods are implemented in ABAQUS finite element software to simulate specimens with varying notch length-to-specimen-width ratios, whose fracture properties have been experimentally determined. The analysis focuses on plotting force versus global displacement, crack tip opening displacement (CTOD), and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) for each method. These simulation results are then compared with experimental data. A mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) calculation quantifies the level of agreement between the model and test results. The findings demonstrate that both methods can replicate the experimental force-crack opening displacement (COD) and force-displacement curves. However, XFEM offers distinct advantages, including the elimination of the need for mesh refinement, easier numerical convergence, and accurate visualization of the crack propagation path.