A Modified Phase-Field Model for Quantitative Simulation of Crack Propagation in Single-Phase and Multi-Phase Materials
Abstract
A quantitative phase-field model based on the regularized formulation of Griffith's theory is presented for crack propagation in homogenous and heterogeneous brittle materials. This model utilizes correction parameters in the total free energy functional and mechanical equilibrium equation in the diffusive crack area to ensure that the maximum stress in front of the crack tip is equal to the stress predicted by classical fracture mechanics. Also, unlike other phase-field models, the effect of material strength on crack nucleation and propagation was considered independent of the regularization parameter. The accuracy of the model was benchmarked in two ways. First, the stress and strain fields around the crack tip in single-phase ZrB2 were compared with the analytical solutions in classical linear elastic fracture mechanics. Second, the crack path and force—displacement responses were examined against experimental results for concrete in the form of fracture of L-shaped plate and wedge splitting tests. To demonstrate the capability of the model in multi-phase materials, crack propagation was simulated for laminates composed of alternating layers of ZrB2 and carbon. The results showed that the proposed modifications in the phase-field model were necessary to predict crack deflection along carbon layers similar to the experimental observations.
Recommended Citation
A. Emdadi et al., "A Modified Phase-Field Model for Quantitative Simulation of Crack Propagation in Single-Phase and Multi-Phase Materials," Engineering Fracture Mechanics, vol. 200, pp. 339 - 354, Elsevier Ltd, Sep 2018.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2018.07.038
Department(s)
Materials Science and Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Brittle Fracture; Crack Propagation; Multi-Phase Materials; Phase-Field Model; ZrB2-C Composite Ceramics
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0013-7944
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2018 Elsevier Ltd, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Sep 2018
Comments
This research was funded as part of the Aerospace Materials for Extreme Environments Program (Dr. Ali Sayir, Program Manager) in the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research under contract number FA9550-14-1-0385.