Mixed-mode fatigue crack propagation based on the Virtual Element Method and the material configurational force

The prediction of mixed-mode fatigue crack propagation mainly relies on numerical simulation approaches. The Virtual Element Method (VEM) is very robust with respect to element distortion, allowing for runtime mesh modifications with the introduction of elements of arbitrary shapes, such as non-convex polygons (in 2D) and elements with hanging nodes. A numerical approach to the simulation of mixed-mode fatigue crack growth is proposed, based on the VEM and the configurational force -integral. In the model, the initiation and deflection of the fatigue crack are determined based on the components of the -integral, while the fatigue crack growth rate is determined by the corresponding amplitude of the -integral cycle. Two mixed-mode fatigue experiments have been simulated to confirm the assumed correlation between the fatigue crack growth rate and the amplitude of the configurational force cycle. The fatigue crack defection affected by the mixed mode, crack paths, propagation rate, and the fatigue lifetime computed numerically by the VEM are in good agreement with the experimental results.