XFEM Modeling of Mixed-Mode Cracks in Thin Aluminum Panels

The Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) capabilities of Abaqus V6.9-EF1 could have a significant impact on finite element modeling of failure for the U. S. Army. The Army has many areas where fracture is important from failure of components, to penetration, to warhead development. To assess the value of XFEM under static loading, comparisons were made with experimental data of notched panels. The panels had different angles of notches. The crack growth direction and applied forces for crack growth were compared to experiments using ABAQUS. The applied force at failure was within 5% of experimental values. The predicted crack growth direction was accurate. Since much of the Army's work involves dynamic explicit analysis, the XFEM technique may only find limited use until it is extended into the ABAQUS Explicit program.