A homogenized XFEM approach to simulate fatigue crack growth problems
A homogenization scheme based on strain energy density criterion is proposed to evaluate the effective properties. The homogenized XFEM approach drastically reduces the CPU time without compromising on the accuracy. Only 20% region (by volume) of the domain is selected for modeling the discontinuities near the major crack. The presence of multiple discontinuities significantly affects the fatigue life. The effect of holes is found more severe as compared to the minor crack and inclusions.
homogenized xfem cpu time discontinuities fatigue life edge crack plate local mesh refinement