Patent AU-2017202835-B2 (AU)
Title: Finite element modeling and analysis of crack propagation in multiple planes of a structure
Inventor: MABSON GERALD E
IPC: G06F30/00
Filed: 2017-04-28
Granted: 2022-01-13
Abstract: FINITE ELEMENT MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF CRACK 
PROPAGATION IN MULTIPLE PLANES OF A STRUCTURE 
ABSTRACT 
An apparatus is provided for predicting propagation of a crack in a structure. A finite 
element model is provided that represents the layers of the structure by meshes of elements 
having interfaces defined between adjacent elements in orthogonal potential crack planes.  
Overlapping interface elements are defined at the interfaces and include a plurality of node pairs 
(N,) spaced apart along multiple interfaces and having a node cluster therebetween that includes 
bound node pairs. The nodes of each node pair are coincident with respective nodes of the 
adjacent elements on opposite sides of the interface. An analysis of the finite element model 
under an external load is performed in which a crack tip is established at a node cluster. A strain 
energy release rate between the nodes of the bound node pairs of the node cluster is calculated 
and based thereon propagation of the crack is identified.  
(AH26 12953269 1)
2/11 
200 
kt At Mk 
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Let ._:l 
206X 
qw 
........ ..................  
............... ......  ...............  ........................ .........................  ........................  ......................... ................... y ........ ........... ..........................  ......................... ......................... ....  ......................... ......................... : .........  ....................... ....................... ..........  .................................. ......................  
.................................. .........................  ..................................  .............  ............. .............. ...  ............. .............  ...........  ....... ...  ............  .............  
................  ....... ........ ...............................  ......... .................  ....... ............  .......................  .......................  ...................  ... .. ................................... .............................  ............................ ... .... .............................  . ............................  ... ..............................  ...........................  .........................  ..........................  
................ .....  ....... .....  
206y 
NODES 204 
INTERFACE ELEMENT 208 
COINCIDENT NODES 210 
FIG. 2A