Simulation of ductile fracture of multiple flaws

Abstract

Interaction effect of multiple flaws on ductile fracture is studied numerically by Gurson's constitutive equation. Based on experiments, 2 parallel cracks problems and 3 parallel cracks problems are simulated. In some problems, crack coalescence does not occur, and it occurs in other cases. In all cases, ductile fracture processes are obtained, and results are compared with experimental ones. Fracture pattern and load-displacement curves agree well with experiments. It is shown that void growth term is dominant for the coalescence of cracks. Slanted crack problem and non-uniform length crack problem are simulated and evaluation method of multiple cracks problem is discussed. © 2011 The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.