An improved method for numerical determination of SZW using FEM

The current investigation essentially comprises a number of 3D non-linear FEM simulations to study and correlate crack tip blunting with experimental results. The study attempts to establish a physically tangible procedure for numerical determination of stretch zone width (SZW). The proposed methodology explains the mechanism involved in the creation of stretched zone. This aspect was missing in its earlier method of determination as half the crack tip opening distance which in-turn determined using 45 line method. It is concluded that the proposed method of SZW determination using large deformation FEM analysis can reasonably simulate the process of blunting of the crack tip and can predict the material's SZW and J-integral values. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.