Fatigue Analysis for Crack Propagation on Al 6082-T6 CT Specimen Using XFEM Method

This research aims to investigate the possibility of predicting the initiation and propagation of cracks during the design phase of a component to increase its mechanical performance. The first phase of this work focuses on collecting knowledge about numerical models that can be used for crack propagation analysis. The most versatile model is the XFEM, which allows for the analysis of displacement fields of discontinuities inside a continuous domain. To further refine the numerical model, additional sub-models such as continuum damage modelling (CDM) and Paris' Law have also been implemented. By referencing experimental data available in the literature, it was possible to develop two different numerical models, which showed a good numerical-experimental correlation. This suggests that the numerical model can be further optimized by employing more complex geometries and materials.