Innovative Multi-scale/Multi-physics based Tool for Predicting Fatigue Crack Initiation and Propagation in Aircraft Structural Components using Phase

The purpose of this research project is to develop computational modeling methods that are able to describe the propagation and interaction of fatigue cracks using the phase-field methodology within the numerical framework of isogeometric analysis (IGA). Fatigue cracks initiate and grow in aircraft components under service loadings. Accurately predicting this failure mechanism is a critical aspect of the design process. Existing techniques based on finite element fracture models are commonly employed. Unfortunately, these models usually fail to accurately capture complex three-dimensional characteristics of fatigue crack initiation and growth, employ many ad hoc mechanisms to predict crack growth, and ignore the influence of microstructural effects. Additionally, expensive mesh generation strategies are required to manage the evolving discontinuities resulting in algorithms which are intractible in three-dimensions (i.e., solids) and for complex geometric configurations. The phase-field methodology overcomes these deficiencies and has emerged as a powerful tool for modeling the evolution of microstructures and the interactions of defects in a wide range of materials and physical processes. Isogeometric phase-field methods benefit from exact geometry, higher-order smoothness, local adaptivity, and the potential to be employed in fully unified design-through-analysis frameworks where the results of analysis can immediately inform design changes.