Creep crack simulations using continuum damage mechanics and extended finite element method

In the present work, elasto-plastic creep crack growth simulations are performed using continuum damage mechanics and extended finite element method. Liu-Murakami creep damage model and explicit time integration scheme are used to evaluate the creep strain and damage variable for various materials at different temperatures. Compact tension and C-shaped tension specimens are selected for the simulation of crack growth analysis. For damage evaluation, both local and nonlocal approaches are employed. The accuracy of the extended finite element method solutions is checked by comparing with experimental results and finite element solutions. These results show that the extended finite element method requires a much coarser mesh to effectively model crack propagation. It is also shown that mesh independent results can be achieved by using nonlocal implementation.