Full thermo-mechanical coupling using eXtended finite element method in quasi-transient crack propagation

Abstract

This work aims to present a complete full coupling eXtended finite element formulation of the thermo-mechanical problem of cracked bodies. The basic concept of the extended finite element method is discussed in the context of mechanical and thermal discontinuities. Benchmarks are presented to validate at the same time the implementation of stress intensity factors and numerical mechanical and thermal responses. A quasi-transient crack propagation model, subjected to transient thermal load combined with a quasi-static crack growth was presented and implemented into a home-made object-oriented code. The developed eXtended finite element tool for modeling two-dimensional thermo-mechanical problem involving multiple cracks and defects are confirmed through selected examples by estimating the stress intensity factors with remarkable accuracy and robustness.