Validation of a Computer Code for Analysis of Elasto-Plastic Crack Propagation

Finite Element Method (FEM) is routinely used for a better understanding of the behavior of structures subjected to various loads during their service life. A class of such problems is related to defects present in materials in form of cracks, which propagate, leading eventually to fracture and structural failure. Such problems are of crucial importance to many applications such as nuclear, aerospace, and aeronautical industries. In this research paper, an FEM code is developed and is used to study crack propagation in ductile materials under specified load conditions. This code performs crack propagation analysis based on J-Integral method. This method of crack propagation analysis can be used to study crack propagation in brittle as well as ductile materials. The results from the analysis are compared with experimental and analytical data available in the literature.