Development of dimensionless parameter database for simplified estimation of elastic-plastic J-integral

Abstract

For predicting fatigue crack propagation behaviors, fatigue J-integral type elastic-plastic fracture mechanics parameters should be employed. Estimating these parameters by FEA of cracked geometry in general situations is, however, complicated and costly to perform. It is desired that some simplified methods instead of FEA are to be employed. One of the representative methods may be the enhanced reference stress approach in which limit load is modified by comparing simplified J-integrals with FEA solutions. This approach needs database of modification factors by FEA. In this study, an experimental validation of the enhanced reference stress approach has been made as well as automated procedures to constitute database of modification factors using python.