Computational investigation of crack-tip fields in a compressed nonlinear strain-limiting material

TL;DR

This paper introduces a finite element framework for analyzing crack-tip fields in nonlinear strain-limiting materials under compression, addressing non-physical strain singularities and providing more realistic insights into crack behavior.

Contribution

It develops a novel numerical method combining Picard linearization and finite elements for crack analysis in nonlinear elastic materials, improving physical accuracy of crack-tip field predictions.

Findings

High stress and strain energy density at crack tips under compression

Strain growth is lower than stress, aligning with physical expectations

Nonlinear model offers more realistic crack-tip field representation

Abstract

A finite element framework is presented for the analysis of crack-tip phenomena in an elastic material containing a single edge crack under compressive loading. The mechanical response of the material is modeled by a nonlinear constitutive relationship that algebraically relates stress to linearized strain. This approach serves to mitigate non-physical strain singularities and ensures that the crack-tip strains don't grow, unlike singular stresses. A significant advancement is thus achieved in the formulation of boundary value problems (BVPs) for such complex scenarios. The governing equilibrium equation, derived from the balance of linear momentum and the nonlinear constitutive model, is formulated as a second-order, vector-valued, quasilinear elliptic BVP. A classical traction-free boundary condition is imposed on the crack face. The problem is solved using a robust numerical scheme in which a Picard-type linearization is combined with a continuous Galerkin finite element method for the discretization. Analyses are performed for both an isotropic and a transversely isotropic elastic solid containing a crack subjected to compressive loads. The primary crack-tip variables**-stress, strain, and strain energy density-**are examined in detail. It is demonstrated that while high concentrations of compressive stress and strain energy density are observed at the crack tip, the growth of strain is substantially lower than that of stress. These findings are shown to be consistent with the predictions of linear elastic fracture mechanics, but a more physically meaningful representation of the crack-tip field is provided by the nonlinear approach. A rigorous basis is thus established for investigating fundamental processes like crack propagation and damage in anisotropic, strain-limiting solids under various loading conditions, including compression.