3D-crack propagation using ADINA

A method was developed and implemented in the finite element program ADINA for the numerical simulation of 2D- and 3D-crack propagation. The elastic-plastic 3D analyses results for different compact-tension specimens and a plate containing a semi-elliptical surface crack were compared with experimental findings. The results show the importance of consideration of the local stress state (constraint) in the crack-tip region in addition to the primary loading parameter J. Moreover, a creep crack growth experiment was simulated using the creep integral C as a crack growth controlling parameter.