Numerical study on the influence of material heterogeneity on mode III crack propagation using a phase-field model

Abstract

Understanding crack propagation in heterogeneous materials is crucial for predicting the reliability and durability of structural components. In this study, we investigate the influence of material heterogeneity on mode III crack growth using a phase-field model. The phase-field method offers a powerful computational framework for simulating crack initiation, propagation, and branching without explicitly tracking the crack surface. By incorporating material heterogeneity into the phase-field model, we aim to analyze how variations in material properties affect the material’s strength and crack path behavior. The numerical simulations will explore complex interactions between cracks and microstructural features, providing insights into how heterogeneity influences fracture mechanics at different length scales. Through this research, we seek to enhance the understanding of crack growth in realistic materials and contribute to developing strategies for optimizing the performance and reliability of engineering structures subjected to mechanical loading. In this study, we utilize the Weibull distribution function to generate heterogeneous materials and calculate the crack propagation problem using the adaptive finite element method. The adaptive mesh method provides precise results and can significantly reduce computation time.