Abstract
This paper proposes a novel, efficient, and accurate framework for fracture analysis of beam structures with longitudinal
cracks. The three-dimensional local stress field is determined using a high-fidelity beam model incorporating
a finite element based cross section analysis tool. The Virtual Crack Closure Technique is used for computation of
strain energy release rates. The devised framework was employed for analysis of cracks in beams with different cross
section geometries. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed method is comparable to that of conventional
three-dimensional solid finite element models while using only a fraction of the computation time.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Engineering Fracture Mechanics |
Volume | 133 |
Pages (from-to) | 56–69 |
Number of pages | 16 |
ISSN | 0013-7944 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Keywords
- Beam finite element
- Beam cross section analysis
- Energy release rate
- Virtual crack closure technique
- Longitudinal cracks in beams