Combined Finite- and Boundary-Element Analysis of SCC Crack Growth

Modeling of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is performed using the combination of the finite element method and the symmetric Galerkin boundary element method. The uncracked structural component is represented with finite elements. The crack is simulated using the boundary element method. The superposition principle is employed for combining two solutions. The equilibrium state for the system of the structural component and the crack is reached after several iterations that alternate between two methods. It is adopted that the crack develops in the direction of the J-integral vector and the crack growth rate is determined by the mechanochemical model using the effective stress intensity factor based on the J-integral value. Results of SCC crack growth modeling are presented for inclined semi-elliptical surface cracks under tensile loading.