Quantification of the Complex Crack Geometry Effect on Fracture Resistance Using Strain-Based Finite Element Damage Analysis

This paper examines the effect of complex crack geometry on the J-resistance curves obtained by strain-based ductile tearing simulation of complex cracked tension (CC(T)) specimens. The damage model is determined by analyzing the results of a smooth bar tensile test and a compact tension (C(T)) specimen toughness test on an SA508 Gr.1a low-alloy steel at 316 °C. The validity of the damage model and simulation method is checked by comparing the fracture test data for two CC(T) specimen tests. To investigate the effect of the complex crack geometry on the crack growth profiles and J-resistance curves, two geometric parameters (namely, the through-wall crack length and the surface crack depth) are systematically varied. It is found that the J-resistance curves for the CC(T) specimens with various through-wall crack lengths and surface crack depths are consistently lower than the corresponding 1 T C(T) J-resistance curves. The effect of the through-wall crack length upon the J-resistance curve is found to be less significant than that of the surface crack depth. Moreover, the J-resistance curve decreases continuously with increasing surface crack depth.