A phase-field length scale insensitive model for fatigue failure in brittle materials
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article proposes a novel phase-field length-scale insensitive model for fatigue failure in brittle materials. In the proposed model, we incorporate a fatigue-related parameter to define the fatigue threshold energy as a function of the fracture strength and make the mechanical response of a material insensitive to the phase-field length scale. In the proposed model, we derive the governing partial differential equations by invoking the virtual power principle and assume constitutive relations for the thermodynamic fluxes on satisfying the thermodynamic laws. We provide a consistent derivation for determining the parameters in the degradation function. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed model by generating phase-field length scale insensitive response in terms of crack length and load versus number of cycles for a few representative numerical examples, viz. a three-point bending test, a single and double-edge notched plate. The numerical results highlight excellent insensitivity of the mechanical response to the phase-field length scale parameter, validating the robustness of the proposed model. For numerical implementation, we have utilized an open-source finite element toolbox called Gridap, in a high-performance programming language Julia, that facilitates third-party verification, promotes transparency and reproducibility, and sets a benchmark for efficient open-source code development in the scientific community.
Source: International Journal of Fatigue
Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,940
OpenAlex ID: W4407767675