Module Computational Fracture Mechanics (Winter term 2024-2025)
Prof. Dr. Alexander Hartmaier
First Numerical Assignment (as part of portfolio exam)
Deadline for submission: Thursday, 20.03.2025, 23h59
Submit the results as PDF file, together with .inp, .cae and .jnl files. Do not forget to
declare your student number.
Assignment 1: middle crack in plate under uniaxial tension
𝜎
700
600
400
300
𝜀
0.001 0.003 0.005
Prepare the model sketched in the upper left picture (h = 1.5 mm, b = 1 mm, a = 0.2 mm,
E = 210 GPa, 𝜈 = 0.3) with a fine mesh at the crack tip. The displacement u must be
calculated with equation 1 and 2. Take the last digit of your student number to calculate
your stress intensity factor with equation 2.
⎡ 𝑎 ⎤
2ℎ 𝐾! .1 −
𝑏
𝑢= ⎢ ⎥ (1)
𝐸 √𝜋𝑎 ⎢ 𝑎 𝑎 "⎥
1− + 0.326 7 8
⎣ 2𝑏 𝑏 ⎦
𝐾! = 60 + 2 ∙ last student number digit (2)
Then you can calculate the displacement with equation 1. (Example: 108009234456,
𝐾! = 72 𝑀𝑃𝑎 √𝑚𝑚, 𝑢 = 1.3 × 10#$ 𝑚𝑚). Use the guideline to prepare your model given
below.
Do not forget to declare your names and student numbers, specify the student number used
for your calculations.
1. Take the elastic material and make a contour plot of the von Mises stress distribution
at the crack tip. Plot the von Mises stress (MISES) and the stress in 2-direction (S22)
for plane strain and plain stress on path Z. Discuss the differences in plane strain/plane
stress results and MISES/S22 in bullet points. (25 pts)
2. Now change the material behavior from elastic to plastic with the material parameters
shown in the stress-strain curve and make a contour plot of the von Mises stress
distribution at the crack tip. Plot the von Mises stress (MISES), the stress in y-direction
(S22) and the equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ) for plane strain and plain stress on path
Z. Discuss the differences by comparing the elastic and plastic material model as well
as the differences in the plastic zone for plane strain/plane stress in bullet points. (40
pts)
3. (a) Considering only elastic behavior, calculate the J-Integral for the linear elastic
material model and compare it with analytical solution. (b) Define elastic and plastic
properties and calculate the J-Integral. For both tasks, calculate the J-Integral for 10
contours and compare the results for elastic and elastic-plastic material behavior. (For
the calculation of J-Integral by ABAQUS, just select the right-end crack tip and path
Z for crack opening direction). (35 pts)
1. Guideline: Middle crack in plate under uniaxial tension
• Create part: 2D planar and draw the square
• Partition: Draw the dashed lines and the crack to divide the plate
• Property: Create material: elastic with E = 210 GPa and 𝜈 = 0.3
• Create Section: homogeneous, solid
• Section assignment: Assign section to geometry
• Assembly: Create instance of your part with a mesh on instance (independent)
• Step: Static, General
• Interaction: Special - crack - assign seam and click on the crack. (The instance is now
divided at the crack)
• Load: Displacement u on top edge and zero displacement on bottom edge, fix the right
bottom corner
• Mesh: Make fine mesh at the crack tips by bias seeds, choose plane strain or plane stress
as element type. (No reduced integration)
• Job: Datacheck and submit
2. Appendix 1: Solution format
Picture of your global mesh Picture of your crack tip mesh
2.1 Question 1
XY-Data plot at path Z:
Contour plot at the crack tip:
MISES/S22
MISES
Plane strain/stress
• Discussion with bullet points
2.2 Question 2
XY-Data plot at path Z:
Contour plot at the crack tip:
MISES/S22
MISES
Plane strain/stress
XY-Data plot at path Z:
PEEQ
Plane strain/stress
• Discussion with bullet points
2.3 Question 3
J-Integral plot of 10 contours for J-Integral plot of 10 contours for
elastic material elastic-plastic material
• Compare the J-Inegral calculated from ABAQUS with analytical solution
• Discuss the J-Integral calculated for elastic and elastic-plastic material behavior