Crack propagation in a micro-scale model of CF/epoxy system

[gianlucaelle]

I am making a model to predict the crack propagation due to termal stresses in a 2D micro-model (unit cell). I am using Abaqus v6.10 with XFEM technique.
After a quasi-static analysis of one cycle, the crack initiates but the subsequent thermal cycles do not make the crack propagate. The crack tip stays in its position after one or 500 cycles. Do you know what my model is missing?

Thanks for ant help,

GL

 

[rstupplebeen]

If the cyclic thermal loading does not induce enough stress to cause crack propagation the crack will not grow. It may grow due to fatigue which can be included with knock down factors on G crit or by the use of fatigue codes that extend the capabilities of traditional FEA. I hope this helps.

Rob Stupplebeen

http://www.optimaldevice.com