Stress Intensity Factors

11.3.
Numerical Evaluation of Fracture Mechanics

Parameters
Several tools are available for evaluating fracture mechanics parameters:
The J-Integral calculation is based on the domain integral approach and is

performed during the solution phase of the analysis (CINT).
Direct energy-release rate calculation, based on the virtual crack closure
technique (VCCT), is performed at solution (CINT).
Stress-intensity factors calculation with the interaction integral approach
during solution (CINT)
Stress-intensity factors calculation with extrapolation during postprocessing
(KCALC).
T-stress calculation using the interaction integral approach during solution
(CINT).
Material force calculation is performed during the solution (CINT).
Most fracture calculations rely on the element nodal connectivity order and must
conform to the pattern shown for each element described in the Element Reference.
11.3.1. J-Integral Calculation
The J-Integral evaluation is based on the domain integral method by Shih[5]. The
domain integration formulation applies area integration for 2-D problems and volume
integration for 3-D problems. Area and volume integrals offer much better accuracy
than contour integral and surface integrals, and are much easier to implement
numerically. The method itself is also very easy to use.
The following topics concerning J-Integral calculation are available:
Understanding the Domain Integral Method

J-Integral Calculation
11.3.1.1. Understanding the Domain Integral Method
For a 2-D problem, and in the absence of thermal strain, path dependent plastic strains,
body forces within the integration of area, and pressure on the crack surface, the
domain integral representation of the J-Integral is given by:
where ij is the stress tensor, uj is the displacement vector, w is the strain energy
density, ij is the Kronecker delta, xi is the coordinate axis, and q is referred to as the
crack-extension vector.
The direction of q is the simple x-axis of the local coordinate system ahead of the crack
tip. The q vector is chosen as zero at nodes along the contour , and is a unit vector for
all nodes inside except the midside nodes, if there are any, that are directly connected
to . The program refers to these nodes with a unit q vector as virtual crack-extension
nodes.
The discretized form of the J-Integral is given by:
where ne is the number of elements to be integrated, wiw is the weight function, and
Aie is the area of the element represented by ie.
For higher-order elements (such as PLANE183 and SOLID186), the q vector at midside
nodes takes the averaged values from the corresponding corner nodes.
If the thermal strains exist in the structure and the surface tractions act on crack faces,
the J-Integral is expressed as:
where is the thermal expansion coefficient, tj is the crack face traction, and C is crack
face upon which the tractions act.
For a 3-D problem, domain integral representation of the J-Integral becomes a volume
integration, which again is evaluated over a group of elements. The implementation
becomes more complicated; however, the principal is similar to the 2-D problem.
11.3.1.1.1. Virtual Crack-Extension Nodes and J-Integral Contours
Virtual crack-extension nodes are one of the most important input data elements
required for J-Integral evaluation. It is also referred to as the crack-tip node
component.
For a 2-D crack problem, the crack-tip node component usually contains one node
which is also the crack-tip node. The first contour for the area integration of the J-
Integral is evaluated over the elements associated with the crack-tip node component.
The second contour for the area integration of the J-Integral is evaluated over the
elements adjacent to the first contour of elements. This procedure is repeated for all
contours. To ensure correct results, the elements for the contour integration should not
reach the outer boundary of the model (with the exception of the crack surface).
For a 3-D crack problem, the crack-tip node component is comprised of the nodes along
the crack front. The crack-tip node component is not required to be sorted. The 3-D J-
Integral contour follows a procedure similar to that of the 2-D contour.
11.3.1.1.2. Element Selection and Material Behavior
J-Integral or stress-intensity evaluation (accessed via the CINT command) supports the
following elements:
PLANE182
PLANE183
SOLID185
SOLID186
SOLID187
J-Integral or stress-intensity evaluation supports the following material behavior:
Linear isotropic elasticity

Isotropic Plasticity
11.3.1.2. J-Integral Calculation
The program calculates the J-Integral at the solution phase of the analysis after a
substep has converged, then stores the value to the results file.
The CINT command initiates the J-Integral calculation and also specifies the
parameters necessary for the calculation.
Perform the J-Integral calculation as follows:
Step 1: Initiate a New J-Integral Calculation

Step 2: Define Crack Information
Step 3: Specify the Number of Contours to Calculate
Step 4: Define a Crack Symmetry Condition
Step 5: Specify Output Controls
11.3.1.2.1. Step 1: Initiate a New J-Integral Calculation
To start a J-Integral calculation, use the CINT command's NEW option and provide a
number to identify the input information for the J-Integral calculation. The command
syntax is:
CINT,NEW,n
where n is the number identifying this J-Integral calculation.
For example:
CINT,NEW,1 ! initiate a new J-Integral calculation as # 1
11.3.1.2.2. Step 2: Define Crack Information
The crack-tip node component and the crack-extension direction are both necessary for
a J-Integral calculation. Two methods using the CINT command are available for
specifying the values:
Define the crack-tip node component and the crack-plane normal.
This approach applies for both 2-D crack geometry and 3-D flat crack
surfaces. It offers a simple way to define a 3-D J-Integral calculation, as you
need only define the crack-tip (front) node component and the normal of the
crack plane. Use this method when the crack plane is flat.
Define the crack-extension node component and crack-extension

direction.
This approach applies for 3-D curve crack planes, where a unique normal
may not exist. However, you must define the crack-extension node
component and the crack-extension direction at each crack-tip node location.
Use this method when the crack plane is not flat, or when a set of nodes
form the crack tip, as in the case of a collapsed crack-tip mesh.
11.3.1.2.2.1. Define the Crack-Tip Node Component and Crack-Plane

Normal
For 2-D crack geometry, define a crack-tip node component (usually a node located at
the crack tip). You can also define a group of nodes around the crack tip, including the
node at the crack tip. ANSYS uses this group of nodes as the starting nodes to form the
necessary information for the contour integration automatically.
For 3-D flat crack geometry, you must define a crack-tip node component that includes
all of the nodes along the crack front. At each node location, however, only one node
can exist. All nodes in the crack-tip node component must be connectable, and they
must form a line based on the element connectivity associated with it. This line is the
crack front. ANSYS uses it to automatically determine the elements for the contour
integration. The procedure is similar to 2-D crack geometry, and is done through all the
nodes along the crack front.
The command syntax is:
CINT,CTNC,CMNAME
After the crack-tip node component is defined, use the CINT command's NORM option
to define the normal of the crack plane. The program automatically converts it into the
crack-extension vector q, based on the element information. The crack-extension vector
is taken along the perpendicular direction to the plane formed by the crack-plane
normal and the tangent direction of the crack-tip node, and is normalized to a unit
vector.
CINT,NORM,par1,par2
where par1 is the coordinate system number and par2 is the axis of coordinate system
par1.
Example 1
!local coordinate system
LOCAL,11,0,,,,
! select nodes located along the crack front and define it as crack
front/tip node component
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip
CM,CRACK_TIP_NODE_CM
! Define a new J-Integral calculation
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,CTNC,CRACK_TIP_NODE_CM
CINT,NORM,11,2
Example 2
! select nodes located along the crack front and define it as crack
front/tip node component
LSEL,,,,
NSLL
CM,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM,NODE
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,CTNC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM,
11.3.1.2.2.2. Define the Crack-Extension Node Component and

Crack-Extension Direction
Use this method when the crack plane is not flat, or when a set of nodes form the crack
tip, as in the case of a collapsed crack-tip mesh:
1. Define a node component consisting of one or more nodes forming the

crack tip. The node component can have one or more nodes.
Example: CINT,CENC,CMNAME
2. Identify the crack-tip node separately if the node component has more
than one node. If a crack-tip node is not identified, then the first node of the
node component is taken to be the first node.
Example: CINT,CENC,CMNAME,node1
3. Define the crack-extension direction.
Identify the local coordinate system associated with the crack under
consideration.
Identify the local axis (for the above CS) along which the crack is supposed to
extend.
Example: CINT,CENC,CMNAME,node1,11,2
Alternatively, define the crack-extension direction by directly specifying the

global X Y and Z components of the crack-extension vector.
Example: CINT,CENC,CMNAME,node1,,,compx,compy,compz
Repeat this method for all node locations along the crack front.
Example 1
! local coordinate systems
local,11,0,,,,
local,12,0,,,,

local,n,0,,,,
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip1
CM,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM1
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip2

NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctipn
CM,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CMn
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,CENC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM1,,11,2

CINT,CENC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM2,,n,2
Example 2
! Crack-extension node component and
! crack-extension direction specification using vectors
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip1
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip2

NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctipn
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,CENC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM1, , , ,Vx1,Vy1,Vz1

CINT,CENC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM2, , , ,Vxn,Vyn,Vzn
11.3.1.2.3. Step 3: Specify the Number of Contours to Calculate
Specify the number of contours for the J-Integral evaluation, as follows:
CINT,NCON,n
where n is the number of contours.
For 3-D crack geometry, every node along the crack front has the same number of
contours.
Example
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,CTNC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_SET,NODE
CINT,NCON,6
11.3.1.2.4. Step 4: Define a Crack Symmetry Condition
If the crack is located along a symmetry plane, and only a half model is created, define
a symmetric condition so that ANSYS can account for it:
CINT,SYMM,ON
Example
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,SYMM,ON ! crack 1 is a symmetrical crack
11.3.1.2.5. Step 5: Specify Output Controls
Mechanical APDL calculates the J-Integral at the solution level and stores it to the
results file for postprocessing. J-Integral output uses all the defaults from
the OUTRES command. The command OUTRES,ALL includes CINT command results.
However, you can issue anOUTRES,CINT command to control the specific output for J-
Integral results only.
Example
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,SYMM,ON
CINT,NCON,5
OUTRES,CINT,10
! output J-Integral every 10 substeps
11.3.2. VCCT Energy-Release Rate Calculation
The approach for evaluating the energy-release rate is based on the virtual crack-
closure technique (VCCT). The energy-release rate calculation occurs during the
solution phase of the analysis and the results are saved for postprocessing.
The following energy-release rate calculation topics are available:
Using VCCT for Energy-Release Rate Calculation

Process for Calculating the Energy-Release Rate
11.3.2.1. Using VCCT for Energy-Release Rate Calculation
VCCT is based on the assumption that the energy needed to separate a surface is the
same as the energy needed to close the same surface. The implementation described
here uses the modified crack-closure method (a VCCT-based method) and assumes
further that stress states around the crack tip do not change significantly when the
crack grows by a small amount (a).
11.3.2.1.1. 2-D Crack Geometry
For 2-D crack geometry with a low-order element mesh, the energy-release rate is
defined as:
where:
GI and GII = mode I and II energy-release rate, respectively

u and v = relative displacement between the top and bottom nodes of the crack face in local
coordinates x and y, respectively
Rx and Ry = reaction forces at the crack-tip node
a = crack extension, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 11.9: 2-D Crack Geometry Schematic

11.3.2.1.2. 3-D Crack Geometry
For 3-D crack geometry with a low-order element mesh, the energy-release rate is
defined as:
where:
GI, GII, and GIII = mode I, II, and III energy-release rate, respectively
u, v, and w= relative displacement between the top and bottom nodes of the crack face in
local coordinates x, y, and z, respectively
Rx, Ry, and Rz = reaction forces at the crack-tip node
A = crack-extension area, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 11.10: 3-D Crack Geometry Schematic

11.3.2.1.3. Element Support, Mesh and Material Behavior
The VCCT method for energy-release rate calculation (accessed via

the CINT command) supports the following elements:
PLANE182
PLANE183
SOLID185
SOLID186
In most cases, ANSYS, Inc. recommends using linear elements

including PLANE182 andSOLID185.
The accuracy of the VCCT calculation depends on the meshes. To ensure the greatest
accuracy, use equal element sizes ahead of and behind the crack-tip node. The mesh
size affects the solution; therefore, it is helpful to examine mesh-size convergence prior
to attempting the finite element solution.
The VCCT method for energy-release rate calculation supports the following material
behaviors:

Orthotropic elasticity
Anisotropic elasticity
11.3.2.2. Process for Calculating the Energy-Release Rate
The CINT command's VCCT option initiates the energy-release rate calculation.
Similar to the J-integral calculation, CINT specifies the parameters necessary for the
calculation.
For CINT element-type and material-behavior support, see Element Selection and
Material Behavior.
Following is the general process for calculating the energy-release rate:
Step 1: Initiate a New Energy-Release Rate Calculation

11.3.2.2.1. Step 1: Initiate a New Energy-Release Rate Calculation
Issue the CINT command twice, as shown:
CINT,NEW,n
CINT,TYPE,VCCT
where n is the identifier for this energy-release rate calculation (for example, 1).
Similar to the J-integral calculation, the crack-tip node component and the crack-
extension direction are both necessary for the energy-release rate calculation.
VCCT requires the finite element mesh to be in the crack-extension direction. To ensure
the accuracy of the energy-release rate calculation, it is crucial that you correctly define
the crack extension. How you do so depends upon whether the crack plane is flat or
not:
Specifying Crack Information When the Crack Plane Is Flat

Specifying Crack Information When the Crack Plane Is Not Flat
11.3.2.2.2.1. Specifying Crack Information When the Crack Plane Is

Flat
This approach applies to both 2-D crack geometry and 3-D flat crack surfaces. It offers
a simple way to define a 3-D energy-release rate calculation, as you need only define
the crack-tip (front) node component and the normal of the crack plane.
2-D Flat Crack Geometry
For 2-D crack geometry, define a crack-tip node component (usually a node located at the
crack tip). You can also define a group of nodes around the crack tip, including the node at
the crack tip. The program uses this group of nodes to form the necessary information for
the VCCT calculation automatically.
3-D Flat Crack Geometry
For 3-D flat crack surfaces, define a crack-tip node component that includes all of the nodes
along the crack front. At each node location, however, only one node can exist.
All nodes in the crack-tip node component must be connectable, and they must form a line
based on the element connectivity associated with it. This line is the crack front. The
program uses it to determine the elements and the nodes needed for the VCCT calculation
automatically.
VCCT is not applicable in the case of a collapsed crack-tip mesh.
CINT,CTNC,Par1, Par2, Par3
where CTNC specifies a crack-tip node component, Par1 is the crack-tip node
component name, Par2 is the crack-extension direction calculation-assist node (any
node on the open side of the crack), and Par3 is the crack fronts end-node crack-
extension direction override.
The Par1 and Par2 values help to identify the crack-extension direction. Although the
program automatically calculates the energy-release rate at the crack tip using the local
coordinate system, it is usually best to use Par2 to define a crack face node to help
align the extension directions of the crack-tip nodes.
By default, the program uses the external surface to determine the crack-extension
direction and normal when the crack-tip node hits the free surface. You can use Par3 to
override this default.
After the crack-tip node component is defined, define the normal of the crack plane.
The program automatically converts it into the crack-extension vector q, based on the
element information. The crack-extension vector is taken along the perpendicular
direction to the plane formed by the crack-plane normal and the tangent direction of
the crack-tip node, and is normalized to a unit vector.
CINT,NORM,Par1, Par2
where Par1 is the coordinate system number and Par2 is the coordinate system axis.
Example 1:
! Local coordinate system

LOCAL,11,0,,,,
! select nodes located along the crack front and
! define it as crack front/tip node component
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip
! Define a new the energy-release rate calculation

CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,VCCT
CINT,NORM,11,2
Example 2:
! Select nodes located along the crack front and

LSEL,,,,
NSLL
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,VCCT
CINT,CTNC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM
11.3.2.2.2.2. Specifying Crack Information When the Crack Plane Is

Not Flat
This approach applies to 3-D curved crack planes, where a unique normal may not
exist. However, you must define the crack-extension node component and the crack-
extension direction at each crack-tip node location:

crack tip.
The node component can have one or more nodes.

Example: CINT,CENC,CompName
2. If the node component has more than one node, identify the crack-tip
node separately.
If a crack-tip node is not identified, the first node of the node component is used
as the first node.
Example: CINT,CENC,CompName,Node1
consideration, and identify the local axis along which the crack should extend.
Example: CINT,CENC,CompName,Node1,11,2

global X, Y, and Z components of the crack-extension vector.
Example: CINT,CENC,CompName,Node1,,,compx,compy,compz
Repeat this method for all node locations along the crack front. Although the program
automatically calculates the local coordinate system at the crack tip to determine the
energy-release rate, it is usually best to use the NORM option to help align the
calculated normals of the crack-tip nodes.
Example 1:
! Local coordinate systems

local,11,0,,,,
local,12,0,,,,

local,n,0,,,,
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip1
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip2

NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctipn
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,VCCT

CINT,CENC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CMn,,n,2
Example 2:

NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip1
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip2

NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctipn
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,VCCT
CINT,CENC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM1,,,,Vx1,Vy1,Vz1

CINT,CENC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CMn,,,,Vxn,Vyn,Vzn
Local Crack-Tip Coordinate System
The VCCT calculation is based on the local crack-tip coordinate systems. To ensure the
accuracy of the energy-release rate calculation, it is crucial to have a local crack-tip
coordinate system in which the local x-axis is pointed to the crack extension, the local y-
axis is pointed to the normal of the crack surfaces or edges, and the local z-axis pointed to
the tangential direction of the crack front.
Local coordinate systems must be consistent across all nodes along the crack front. A set of
inconsistent coordinate systems results in irregular behavior of the energy-release rate
distribution along crack front.
The program automatically calculates the local coordinate systems based on the input crack
front nodes and the normal of the crack surface or extension directions. Because there may
be not enough information to determine a set of consistent coordinate systems, however,
ANSYS, Inc. recommends:
Using the CINT command's CTNC option to define a crack-face node to help identify the
coordinate systems, or
Using the CINT command's NORM option, followed by the CENC option, to define the
coordinate systems.
If the crack is located along a symmetry plane, and only a half model is created, define
a symmetric condition so that the program can account for it. To do so, issue the
following command:
CINT,SYMM,ON
Example:
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,VCCT
Similar to the J-Integral calculation, the program calculates the energy-release rate
during the solution phase of the analysis and stores the results in the .rst file for
postprocessing.
Energy-release rate output uses all of the defaults from the OUTRES command.
TheOUTRES,ALL command includes CINT command results. However, you can issue
anOUTRES,CINT command to control the specific output for energy-release rate results
only.
Example:
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,VCCT
CINT,CTNCP,CRACK_TIP_NODE_CM
CINT,SYMM,ON
OUTRES,CINT,10 ! output CINT results every 10 substeps
11.3.3. Stress-Intensity Factor Calculation
Two approaches for evaluating stress-intensity factors are available:
Interaction integral method -- ANSYS performs the stress-

intensity factors calculation at solution and stores the results to the result file
for postprocessing.
Displacement extrapolation method -- ANSYS performs the stress-
intensityfactors calculation during postprocessing.
11.3.3.1. Calculating Stress-Intensity Factors via Interaction

Integrals
Similar to the domain integral method for J-Integral evaluation, the interaction integral
method for stress-intensity factors calculation applies area integration for 2-D problems
and volume integration for 3-D problems. In comparison to the traditional displacement
extrapolation method, the interaction integral method offers better accuracy, fewer
mesh requirements, and ease of use.
The following topics are available:
Understanding Interaction Integral Formulation

Calculating the Stress-Intensity Factors
11.3.3.1.1. Understanding Interaction Integral Formulation
The interaction integral is defined as
where:
are the stress, strain and displacement,
are the stress, strain and displacement of the auxiliary field,

and qi is the crack-extension vector.
The interaction integral is associated with the stress-intensity factors as
where:
(i = 1,2,3) = mode I, II, and III stress-intensity factors
(i = 1,2,3) = auxiliary mode I, II and III stress-intensity factors

E* = E for plane stress and E* = E / (1 - 2) for plane strain
E = Youngs modulus
= Poissons ratio
= shear modulus
11.3.3.1.2. Calculating the Stress-Intensity Factors
Mechanical APDL calculates the stress-intensity factors via interaction integral

evaluation at the solution phase of the analysis, and then stores the values to the
results file.
The CINT command's SIFS option initiates the stress-intensity factors calculations.
Similar to theJ-integral calculation, CINT is also used to specify the parameters
necessary for the calculation. For element type and material behavior support for CINT,
see Element Selection and Material Behavior.
Following is the general process for calculating the stress-intensity factors:
Step 1: Initiate a New Stress-Intensity Factors Calculation

Step 3: Specify the Number of Contours
11.3.3.1.2.1. Step 1: Initiate a New Stress-Intensity Factors

Calculation
To start a stress-intensity factors calculation, issue the CINT command twice, as

follows:
CINT,NEW,n
CINT,TYPE,SIFS
where n is the number identifying this stress-intensity factors calculation.
For example:
CINT,NEW,1 ! initiate a new calculation as #1

CINT,TYPE,SIFS ! specify stress-intensity factor calculations
11.3.3.1.2.2. Step 2: Define Crack Information

Similar to the J-integral calculation, the crack-tip node component and the crack-
extension direction are both necessary for the stress-intensity factors calculation. Two
methods, both involving the CINT command, are available for specifying the values:
Define the crack-tip node component and the crack-plane normal.
This approach applies for both 2-D crack geometry and 3-D flat crack
surfaces. It offers a simple way to define a 3-D stress-intensity-factors
calculation, as you need only define the crack-tip (front) node component
and the normal of the crack plane. Use this method when the crack plane is
flat.

direction.
This approach applies for 3-D curve crack planes, where a unique normal
The auxiliary crack-tip field is based on the crack-extension direction. To ensure the
accuracy of the stress-intensity factors calculation, it is crucial that you correctly define
the crack-extension definition.
Define the Crack-Tip Node Component and Crack-Plane Normal
For 2-D crack geometry, define a crack-tip node component (usually a node located at
the crack tip). You can also define a group of nodes around the crack tip, including the
node at the crack tip. The program uses this group of nodes as the starting nodes to
form the necessary information for the contour integration automatically.
crack front. ANSYS uses it to automatically determine the elements for the contour
integration. The procedure is similar to 2-D crack geometry, and is done through all the
nodes along the crack front.
CINT,CTNC,Par1, Par2, Par3

where Par1 is the crack-tip node component name, Par2 defines the crack-extension
direction calculation-assist node (any node on the open side of the crack), and Par3 is
crack fronts end-node crack-extension direction-override flag.
The Par2 and Par3 values help to identify the crack-extension direction. Although the
program automatically calculates the local coordinate system at crack tip for stress-
intensity factors calculations, it is usually best to Par2 to define a crack face node to
help align the extension directions of the crack-tip nodes. By default, the program uses
the external surface to determine the crack-extension direction and normal when the
crack-tip node hits the free surface; however, you can use Par3 to override this default
with the calculated coordinate system.
After the crack-tip node component is defined, use the CINT command's NORM option
to define the normal of the crack plane. The program automatically converts it into the
crack-extension vector q, based on the element information. The crack-extension vector
is taken along the perpendicular direction to the plane formed by the crack-plane
vector.
CINT,NORM,Par1, Par2
where Par1 is the coordinate system number and Par2 is the axis of coordinate
system Par1.
Example 1
! local coordinate system
LOCAL,11,0,,,,
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip
! Define a new stress-intensity factors calculation
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,SIFS
CINT,NORM,11,2
Example 2
LSEL,,,,
NSLL
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,SIFS
Define the Crack-Extension Node Component and Crack-Extension

Direction

crack tip.
The node component can have one or more nodes.
Example: CINT,CENC,CMName
than one node.
If a crack-tip node is not identified, the first node of the node component is
taken to be the first node.
Example: CINT,CENCP,CMName,node1
consideration.
Identify the local axis (for the above CS) along which the crack is supposed to
extend.
Example: CINT,CENC,CMName,node1,11,2

global X Y and Z components of the crack-extension vector.
Example: CINT,CENC,CMName,node1,,,compx,compy,compz
Repeat this method for all node locations along the crack front. Although the program
automatically calculates the local coordinate system at the crack tip to determine stress-
intensityfactors, it is usually best to use the NORM option to help align the calculated
normals of the crack-tip nodes.
Example 1
! local coordinate systems
local,11,0,,,,
local,12,0,,,,

local,n,0,,,,
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip1
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip2

NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctipn
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,SIFS

CINT,CENC, CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM2,,n,2
Example 2
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip1
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip2

NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctipn
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,SIFS

CINT,CENCOMP,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM2,,,,Vxn,Vyn,Vzn
Local Crack-Tip Coordinate System

The auxiliary crack-tip field is based on the local crack-tip coordinate systems. To
ensure the accuracy of the stress-intensity factors calculation, it is crucial to have a
correct local crack-tip coordinate system in which the local x-axis is pointed to the crack
extension, the local y-axis is pointed to the normal of the crack surfaces or edges, and
the local z-axis pointed to the tangential direction of the crack front.
The local coordinate systems must be consistent across all nodes along the crack front.
A set of inconsistent coordinate systems results in no path dependency of the
calculated stress-intensityfactors and irregular behavior of the stress-
intensity factor distribution along crack front. The program automatically calculate the
local coordinate systems based on the input crack front nodes and the normal of the
crack surface or extension directions; however, because there may be not enough
information to determine a set of consistent coordinate systems, ANSYS, Inc.
recommends using the CINT command's CTNC option to define a crack-face node to
help identify the coordinate systems, or use the NORM option with the CENC option to
define the coordinate systems.
11.3.3.1.2.3. Step 3: Specify the Number of Contours
The interaction integral, and thus the stress-intensity factors, have the same contour-
independent behavior as the J-Integral. You can specify the number of contours for the
interaction integral evaluation, as follows:
CINT,NCON,n
contours.
Example
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,SIFS
CINT,NCON,6
11.3.3.1.2.4. Step 4: Define a Crack Symmetry Condition
In general, there is no crack symmetry condition for a mixed-mode crack. When a crack
symmetry condition is defined, however, stress-intensity factor KII and KIII are both set
to zero. The calculated interaction integral is timed by a factor of two and is used to
calculate thestress-intensity factor KI.
The command to define a symmetric condition is as follows:
CINT,SYMM,ON
Example
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,SIFS
CINT,SYMM,ON ! crack #1 is a symmetrical crack
11.3.3.1.2.5. Step 5: Specify Output Controls
Similar to the J-Integral calculation, Mechanical APDL calculates the stress-

intensity factors during the solution phase of the analysis and stores it to the results file
for postprocessing.Stress-intensity factors output uses all the defaults from
the OUTRES command. The commandOUTRES,ALL includes CINT command results.
However, you can issue an OUTRES,CINT command to control the specific output
for stress-intensity factors results only.
Example
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,SIFS
CINT,SYMM,ON
CINT,NCON,5
OUTRES,CINT,10 ! output CINT results every 10 substeps
11.3.3.2. Calculating Stress-Intensity Factors via Displacement

Extrapolation
The POST1 ppostprocessing KCALC command (Main Menu> General Postproc>

Nodal Calcs> Stress Int Factr) calculates the mixed-mode stress-intensity factors KI,
KII, and KIII. The command is limited to linear elastic problems with a homogeneous,
isotropic material near the crack region.
To calculate stress-intensity factors using the displacement extrapolation method, follow

these steps within the POST1 postprocessor:
Step 1: Define a Local Crack-Tip or Crack-Front Coordinate System

Step 2: Define a Path Along the Crack Face
Step 3: Calculate KI, KII, and KIII
11.3.3.2.1. Step 1: Define a Local Crack-Tip or Crack-Front
Coordinate System
The X axis must be parallel to the crack face (perpendicular to the crack front in 3-D
models) and the Y axis perpendicular to the crack face (as shown in Figure 11.5: Crack
Tip and Crack Front).
This coordinate system must be the active model coordinate system (CSYS) and results
coordinate system (RSYS) when KCALC executes.
Command(s): LOCAL (or CLOCAL, CS, CSKP, etc.

GUI: Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Local Coordinate Systems> Create Local
CS> At Specified Loc
11.3.3.2.2. Step 2: Define a Path Along the Crack Face
The first node on the path should be the crack-tip node. For a half-crack model, two
additional nodes are required, both along the crack face. For a full-crack model, where
both crack faces are included, four additional nodes are required: two along one crack
face and two along the other.
Command(s): PATH (or PPATH)

GUI: Main Menu> General Postproc> Path Operations> Define Path
The following figure illustrates the two cases for a 2-D model.
Figure 11.11: Typical Crack Face Path Definitions
(a) half-crack model and (b) full-crack model
11.3.3.2.3. Step 3: Calculate KI, KII, and KIII

The KPLAN field on the KCALC command specifies whether the model is plane-strain or
plane-stress. Except for the analysis of thin plates, the asymptotic or near-crack-tip
behavior ofstress is usually thought to be that of plane strain. The KCSYM field specifies
whether the model is a half-crack model with symmetry boundary conditions, a half-
crack model with antisymmetry boundary conditions, or a full-crack model.
Command(s):
Content to be provided.
KCALC
GUI: Main Menu> General Postproc> Nodal Calcs> Stress Int Factr
11.3.4. T-Stress Calculation
The following topics related to T-stress calculation are available:
T-Stress Interaction Integral Formulation

Element Selection and Material Behavior
Calculating the T-Stress
11.3.4.1. T-Stress Interaction Integral Formulation
The T-stress parameter is calculated using an interaction integral similar to the one
used for thestress-intensity factors calculation. The auxiliary solution used is the
solution of a line load of magnitude f applied along the crack front in the direction of
the crack plane [12][13]:
In practice, the magnitude of f is typically 1.
The T-stress itself is extracted from the interaction integral result I as follows:
where:
T = obtained T-stress value
E = Youngs modulus
= Poissons ratio
33= extensional strain at the crack front in the direction tangential to the front
11.3.4.2. Element Selection and Material Behavior
T-stress evaluation (accessed via the CINT command) supports the following elements:
PLANE182
PLANE183
SOLID185
SOLID186
SOLID187
T-stress evaluation supports the following material behavior:

Isotropic plasticity
Even if isotropic plasticity behavior is supported, stress-intensity factors and T-

stress are strictly valid under the small-scale yielding assumption; therefore, the crack
tip plastic zone must be small. In practice, the crack tip plastic zone must always be
smaller than the last CINTintegration contour so that the interaction integral is
calculated on elements that still exhibit a linear elastic behavior.
T-stress evaluation supports 2-D plane strain and plane stress and 3-D analysis.
Pressure on the crack faces, and axisymmetry, are not supported.
11.3.4.3. Calculating the T-Stress
To start a stress-intensity factors calculation, issue the CINT command twice, as

follows:
CINT,NEW,n
CINT,TYPE,TSTRESS
where n is the T-stress calculation ID number.
All CINT command options available for stress-intensity factor calculation are also
available for T-stress. For example, the following example input is a full setup of a T-
stress evaluation using the node component CRACK_TIP_NODE_CM to define the crack
front, a symmetry condition, and five integration contours:
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,TYPE,TSTRESS
CINT,SYMM,ON
CINT,NCON,5
For more information about the calculation setup procedure, see Calculating the Stress-
IntensityFactors.
11.3.5. Material Force Calculation
The material force method determines the vectorial force-like quantities conjugated to
the configurational change; that is, the method evaluates the material node point forces
corresponding to the Eshelby stress and the material body forces.
The following topics concerning material force calculation are available:
Understanding the Material Force Approach

Calculating Material Force
11.3.5.1. Understanding the Material Force Approach
For a general 2-D problem (in the absence of body forces, thermal strain and dynamic
loads), the nodal material forces are defined as:
The Eshelby stress () is introduced in small-strain elasticity as:

In finite strain elasticity, the Eshelby stress yields:
In the following figure, the directions of e1 and e2 correspond to the local coordinate
system at the crack tip:
Figure 11.12: Domain Enhancement via Nodal Vectors
Here, e1 is the tangential component of the local coordinate system with respect to the
crack surface, while e2 represents the normal component of the local coordinate
system. The tangential component of the material force vector Fmat, which is in the
direction of e1, represents the scalar crack-driven force. In the numerical evaluation of
material force, the material force is calculated based on the resultant of all the material
force vectors in a user-defined domain surrounding the crack tip.
If the plastic deformations exist in the structure, the material body forces acting on the
domain are expressed as:
where B is the material body forces:
Here, Bp is the material body forces via plasticity, whereas Bt is the material body forces
via thermal stress. Then, the material body forces via plasticity are expressed as:
If thermal strains exist in the structure, the nodal material body force vectors are:
For a 3-D problem, integral representation of the nodal material forces becomes a
volume integration, which again is evaluated over a group of elements. The principal is
similar to the 2-D problem. After nodal material forces are evaluated, however, they are
divided by a distance quantity through the thickness.
11.3.5.1.1. Virtual Crack-Extension Nodes and Material Force

Contours
Virtual crack-extension nodes are critical input data elements required for material force
evaluation. The program uses virtual crack-extension node input to evaluate tangential
(crack-driven force) and non-tangential components to the crack surface of the material
force vectors. The crack-extension nodes are typically grouped together as crack-tip
node components.
For a 2-D crack problem, the crack-tip node component typically contains one node,
which is also the crack-tip node. The first contour for the area integration of the
material force is evaluated over the elements associated with the crack-tip node
component. The first contour gives nodal material force. The second contour for the
area integration of the material force approach is evaluated over the elements adjacent
to the first contour of elements. The procedure is repeated for all contours. To ensure
correct results, the elements for the contour integration should not reach the outer
boundary of the model (with the exception of the crack surface).
For a 3-D crack problem, the crack-tip node component is comprised of the nodes along
the crack front. It is not necessary for the crack-tip node component to be sorted. The
3-D material force contour uses a procedure similar to that of the 2-D contour.
11.3.5.1.2. Element Selection and Material Behavior
The following elements support material force evaluation (accessed via

the CINT command):
PLANE182
PLANE183
SOLID185
SOLID186
SOLID187
Material force evaluation supports the following material behavior:

Nonlinear isotropic elasticity
Isotropic hardening plasticity
Kinematic hardening plasticity
11.3.5.2. Calculating Material Force
The program calculates the material forces during the solution phase of the analysis
after a substep has converged, then stores the values to the results file.
The CINT command initiates the material force calculation and specifies the necessary
parameters.
Following is the general process for applying material force:
Step 1: Initiate a New Material Force Calculation

Step 3: Specify the Number of Contours to Calculate
11.3.5.2.1. Step 1: Initiate a New Material Force Calculation

To start a material force calculation, issue the CINT command twice, as follows:
CINT,NEW,n
CINT,TYPE,MFOR
where n is the material force calculation ID number.
Example 11.1: Initiating a New Material Force Calculation

CINT,NEW,1 ! initiate a new material force
calculation as #1
CINT,TYPE,MFOR ! set calculation type to material force
The crack-tip node component and the local crack direction are both necessary for a
material force calculation. Two methods using the CINT command are available for
specifying the values:
Define the crack-tip node component and crack-plane normal.
This approach applies to both 2-D crack geometry and 3-D flat crack
surfaces. It offers a simple way to define a 3-D material force calculation, as
you need only define the crack-tip (front) node component and the normal
of the crack plane.
Use this method when the crack plane is flat.

direction.
This approach applies to 3-D curve crack planes, where a unique normal
11.3.5.2.2.1. Define the Crack-Tip Node Component and Crack-Plane

Normal
For 2-D crack geometry, you can define a crack-tip node component (usually a node
located at the crack tip). You can also define a group of nodes around the crack tip,
including the node at the crack tip. The program uses this group of nodes as the
starting nodes to form the necessary information for the contour integration
automatically.
crack front. The program uses it to automatically determine the elements for the
contour integration. The procedure is similar to 2-D crack geometry, and is performed
through all nodes along the crack front.
CINT,CTNC,CompName
where CompName is the crack-tip node component name.
After defining the crack-tip node component, define the normal of the crack plane:
CINT,NORM,Par1,Par2
where Par1 is the coordinate system number and Par2 is the axis of that coordinate
system.
The program automatically converts the crack plane normal into the local crack
coordinate system, based on the element information. The local coordinate system is
evaluated along the perpendicular direction to the plane formed by the crack-plane
vector.
Example 11.2: Defining the Crack-Tip Node Component and Crack-Plane Normal
! Local coordinate system
LOCAL,11,0,,,,
! Select nodes located along the crack front and define
it as
! crack front/tip node component
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip
! Define a new material force calculation
CINT,NEW,1
CINT,NORM,11,2
Example 11.3: Defining the Crack-Tip Node Component and Crack-Plane Normal
! Select nodes located along the crack front and define
it as crack
! front/tip node component
LSEL,,,,
NSLL
CINT,NEW,1
11.3.5.2.2.2. Define the Crack-Extension Node Component and

Crack-Extension Direction

crack tip. The node component can have one or more nodes.
Example: CINT,CENC,CompName
than one node. If a crack-tip node is not identified, then the first node of the
node component is taken to be the first node.
Example: Example: CINT,CENC,CompName,NODE1
consideration, and the local axis for that coordinate system along which the
crack is supposed to extend.
Example: CINT,CENC,CompName,NODE1,11,2

global X, Y, and Z components of the crack-extension vector.
Example: CINT,CENC,CompName,NODE1,,, CompX, CompY, CompZ
Repeat this method for all node locations along the crack front.
Example 11.4: Defining the Crack-Extension Node Component and Crack-Extension
Direction
! Local coordinate systems
local,11,0,,,,
local,12,0,,,,

local,n,0,,,,
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip1
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip2

NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctipn
CINT,NEW,1

CINT,CENC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM2,,n,2
Example 11.5: Defining the Crack-Extension Node Component and Crack-Extension

Direction
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip1
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip1
NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctip2
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctip2

NSEL,S,LOC,X,Xctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Y,Yctipn
NSEL,R,LOC,Z,Zctipn
CINT,NEW,1

CINT,CENC,CRACK_FRONT_NODE_CM2, , , ,Vxn,Vyn,Vzn
11.3.5.2.3. Step 3: Specify the Number of Contours to Calculate
Specify the number of contours for the material force evaluation:
CINT,NCON,n
contours.
Example 11.6: Specifying the Number of Contours to Calculate

CINT,NEW,1
CINT,NCON,6
If the crack is located along a symmetry plane and only a half model is created, define
a symmetric condition so that the program can account for it:
CINT,SYMM,ON
Example 11.7: Defining a Crack Symmetry Condition

CINT,NEW,1
The program calculates the nodal material forces at the solution level and stores it to
the results file for postprocessing.
The output for the material force approach uses all OUTRES command defaults. The
commandOUTRES,ALL includes CINT command results. However, you can issue
an OUTRES,CINT command to control the specific output for material force results
only.
Example 11.8: Specifying Output Controls

CINT,NEW,1
CINT,SYMM,ON
CINT,NCON,5
OUTRES,CINT,10 ! output material forces every 10 substeps
Release 15.0 - SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved.

Stress Intensity Factors

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11.3.

Numerical Evaluation of Fracture Mechanics

Several tools are available for evaluating fracture mechanics parameters:

The J-Integral calculation is based on the domain integral approach and is

11.3.1. J-Integral Calculation

The following topics concerning J-Integral calculation are available:

Understanding the Domain Integral Method

11.3.1.1. Understanding the Domain Integral Method

The discretized form of the J-Integral is given by:

11.3.1.1.1. Virtual Crack-Extension Nodes and J-Integral Contours

11.3.1.1.2. Element Selection and Material Behavior

J-Integral or stress-intensity evaluation supports the following material behavior:

Linear isotropic elasticity

11.3.1.2. J-Integral Calculation

Perform the J-Integral calculation as follows:

Step 1: Initiate a New J-Integral Calculation

11.3.1.2.1. Step 1: Initiate a New J-Integral Calculation

where n is the number identifying this J-Integral calculation.

CINT,NEW,1 ! initiate a new J-Integral calculation as # 1

11.3.1.2.2. Step 2: Define Crack Information

Define the crack-tip node component and the crack-plane normal.

Define the crack-extension node component and crack-extension

11.3.1.2.2.1. Define the Crack-Tip Node Component and Crack-Plane

The command syntax is:

The command syntax is:

11.3.1.2.2.2. Define the Crack-Extension Node Component and

1. Define a node component consisting of one or more nodes forming the

3. Define the crack-extension direction.

Alternatively, define the crack-extension direction by directly specifying the

11.3.1.2.3. Step 3: Specify the Number of Contours to Calculate

Specify the number of contours for the J-Integral evaluation, as follows:

where n is the number of contours.

11.3.1.2.4. Step 4: Define a Crack Symmetry Condition

11.3.1.2.5. Step 5: Specify Output Controls

11.3.2. VCCT Energy-Release Rate Calculation

The following energy-release rate calculation topics are available:

Using VCCT for Energy-Release Rate Calculation

11.3.2.1. Using VCCT for Energy-Release Rate Calculation

11.3.2.1.1. 2-D Crack Geometry

GI and GII = mode I and II energy-release rate, respectively

Figure 11.9: 2-D Crack Geometry Schematic

Figure 11.10: 3-D Crack Geometry Schematic

The VCCT method for energy-release rate calculation (accessed via

In most cases, ANSYS, Inc. recommends using linear elements

Linear isotropic elasticity

Following is the general process for calculating the energy-release rate:

Step 1: Initiate a New Energy-Release Rate Calculation

11.3.2.2.1. Step 1: Initiate a New Energy-Release Rate Calculation

Issue the CINT command twice, as shown:

11.3.2.2.2. Step 2: Define Crack Information

Specifying Crack Information When the Crack Plane Is Flat

11.3.2.2.2.1. Specifying Crack Information When the Crack Plane Is

2-D Flat Crack Geometry

3-D Flat Crack Geometry

VCCT is not applicable in the case of a collapsed crack-tip mesh.

The command syntax is:

CINT,CTNC,Par1, Par2, Par3

The command syntax is:

! Local coordinate system

! Define a new the energy-release rate calculation

! Select nodes located along the crack front and

11.3.2.2.2.2. Specifying Crack Information When the Crack Plane Is

1. Define a node component consisting of one or more nodes forming the

The node component can have one or more nodes.