High performance approach to fatigue crack analysis and life prediction

Objective

The purpose of the proposed research is the development of advanced computational tools that will predict fatigue crack initiation subsequent growth and net loss of structural strength, thus completing the entire phase of damage toleranceanalysis. The analysis is based on the finite element method and is a direct improvement of the current practice that treats life prediction as a post processing problem. The proposed methodology incorporate the principles of fracture mechanics throughout the analysis loop and specifically takes into account the physics of the decohesion process .A variety of industries will be potential users of the proposed capability including aircraft,automotive, ship, nuclear, defense and infrastructure. The proposal includes three end-user applications in the automotive, aerospace and civil engineering fields as well as adaptation within high performance parallelised commercial software environments.
Work performed: development of cohesive interface elements CIE in 2D & 3D, fatigue algorithms, implementation of CIE in standard codes & pre/post interfaces, and end user application requirements definition. Several verification examples performed for 2D & 3D. In the case of fatigue algorithm, extrapolation scheme defined to evaluate fatigue life of a specimen without reproducing the entire life, by means of identification of "blocks". The adaptation of CIEinto commercial codes done. The 2D & 3D elements introduced in Samcef/Mecano, and several tests performed. The work in pre & post processes done inside MSC/PATRAN environment. End users have defined the methodology requirements for the benchmarks. First examples with the new code performed. The achievements are good although further improvements needed for future developments to fulfil with end user requirements.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › computer and information sciences › software
• engineering and technology › civil engineering
• engineering and technology › mechanical engineering › vehicle engineering › aerospace engineering › aircraft

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-5. - RTD Activities of a Generic Nature : materials and their technologies for production and transformation and new and improved materials and production technologies in the steel field

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

SENER INGENIERIA Y SISTEMAS SA

Address

Av. Zugazarte, 56
48930 Las Arenas
Spain

Links

Participants (8)

CENTRO RICERCHE FIAT S.C.P.A.

Italy

Address

Strada Torino 50
10043 Orbassano

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Italy

Address

Via Enrico Fermi 1
21020 Ispra

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING SEISMOLOGY AND EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING

Greece

Address

46,georgikis Scholis Street 46
55102 Thessaloniki

MSC SOFTWARE GMBH

Germany

Address

Innsbrucker Ring, 15
81612 Muenchen

NCODE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

United Kingdom

Address

Woodbourn Road 230
S9 3LQ Sheffield

SAMTECH SA

Belgium

Address

Rue Des Chasseurs Ardennais, 8
4031 Angleur

UNIVERSIDAD PONTIFICIA COMILLAS

Spain

Address

26,c/ Santa Cruz De Marcenado 26
28015 Madrid

Links

VOLVO AERO CORPORATION AB

Sweden

Address

461 81 Trollhaettan