Numerical simulation of fatigue crack growth in an open-hole specimen

The focus of the study is the development and assessment of a comprehensive strategy for capturing fatigue growth of a corner crack in an open hole specimen. Linear finite element analyses and the Jintegral method are used for the computation of the nominal stress intensity factor range distribution along the crack front. Elastic-plastic analyses are used for computing the variation along the crack front of the plasticity-induced crack closure. No predetermined crack shape is assumed: the shape of the crack is the result of the theoretical model and its numerical implementation. Material anisotropy is also accounted for by adopting two slightly different fatigue crack growth rate curves for the shortand long-transverse propagation directions. Comparisons with experimental results show that the local application of Newman’s model for plasticity-induced crack closure on a crack propagating without any predetermined shape — together with a correction strategy for the propagation near free surfaces — is effective in producing a good prediction of the corner crack growth.