Finite Element Analysis Of Mixed Mode Fracture

Finite Element Analysis of Mixed Mode Fracture

The Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method

The combined finite discrete element method is a relatively new computational tool aimed at problems involving static and / or dynamic behaviour of systems involving a large number of solid deformable bodies. Such problems include fragmentation using explosives (e.g rock blasting), impacts, demolition (collapsing buildings), blast loads, digging and loading processes, and powder technology. The combined finite-discrete element method - a natural extension of both discrete and finite element methods - allows researchers to model problems involving the deformability of either one solid body, a large number of bodies, or a solid body which fragments (e.g. in rock blasting applications a more or less intact rock mass is transformed into a pile of solid rock fragments of different sizes, which interact with each other). The topic is gaining in importance, and is at the forefront of some of the current efforts in computational modeling of the failure of solids. * Accompanying source codes plus input and output files available on the Internet * Important applications such as mining engineering, rock blasting and petroleum engineering * Includes practical examples of applications areas Essential reading for postgraduates, researchers and software engineers working in mechanical engineering.

Finite Element Analysis of Mixed-Mode Fracture of Bolted Composite Joints

The presence of a flaw or crack near a bolt-loaded hole can significantly reduce the strength of a mechanical joint. Stress intensity factors of mixed-mode cracks emanating from a bolt-loaded hole in a loaded finite composite are evaluated here using the finite element method. Both a horizontal crack adjacent to the bolt and a vertical crack beneath the bolt of a mechanical joint are studied. Linear elastic fracture mechanics is used, and the bolt is assumed to be rigid. The contact stresses are evaluated rather than assumed. Effects of friction, both clearance, geometric nonlinearity between the bolt and the composite, variations in geometry (end distance, crack length, and edge distance), and material properties are accommodated. The magnitudes of the stress intensity factors are found to be highly influenced by variations in the material properties, crack length, and in-plane geometry.