Multi-physics tool for predicting fatigue crack propagation using Phase field models

Understanding fatigue crack initiation and propagation is critical for life-prediction of aircraft components which are exposed to complex loading conditions. Traditional approaches are based on analytical predictions of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), or numerical simulations using finite element/boundary element. All those methods have difficulties studying crack growth, and need complicated re-meshing algorithms. In this work, Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes to develop a novel computational framework for accurate modeling of crack/fatigue initiation and growth in solids, using the framework of phase-field modeling. The approach will yield the crack topology in response to loading conditions, by means of the solution of the governing equations which are cast in a minimization problem of the total energy from elastic, plastic contributions. Phase I will develop the underlying theory, simulation framework and demonstrate its use.