Numerical simulation of plasticity identification and discussion of parameters

Abstract

Numerical studies play a major role in the understanding and prediction of plasticity. The numerical models simplify the reality by considering discrete crack propagations, a relatively high fatigue crack growth, sharp cracks and that propagation occur at a well-defined load. Besides, there are a great number of numerical parameters affecting the accuracy of the predictions. The aim of the present paper is to discuss the numerical simulation of PICC. The numerical parameters, affecting the accuracy of the numerical simulations, and the dependent parameters, adequate to characterise the plastic wake and the closure level, are identified. The influence of the parameters of the numerical algorithm, the radial size of crack front elements and the extent of crack propagation for stabilization is analysed. An intrinsic uncertainty is associated with the number of load cycles between crack increments and the definition of crack closure level. Finally, the model developed is used to study the effect of stress ratio (R) on crack closure level.