Simulation of surface crack shape evolution using the finite element technique and considering the crack closure effects

Abstract Shape development and closure analysis of surface cracks using the finite element method have been employed by researchers without considering interactions of the two phenomena. This study uses the free-front finite element technique to account for such interactions. Mesh refinement effects on the crack shape development are studied by concluding that the element size ahead of the crack front is not affecting the simulated crack shape. Newman and Raju assumed different Paris equation coefficients for examining the surface crack growth. This assumption is here analysed by applying the crack closure concept using the results of the free-front technique. The results are close to those determined by employing the above assumption for the equation coefficients.