HI,
I am using XFEM to model crack propagation in thin aluminum panles using ABAQUS. The reason for modelling it is to check my numerical model against the results published by Lyonel Reinhardt, t, J.A. Cordes in the paper XFEM Modeling of Mixed-Mode Cracks in Thin Aluminum Panels (http://www.3ds.com/fileadmin/PRODUCTS/SIMULIA/PDF/scc-papers/Def-XFEM-Modeling-Mixed-Mode-Cracks-Thin-Aluminum-Panels.pdf)
I am trying to model a 90 degree crack placed in the middle of the panel. For some reason, when i apply displacement (in increments) i dont see anything happening to my model. However, when i apply load, the panels tend to elongate but the crack never propagates. I faced the same issue while i was modelling abaqus benchmark problems(plate with an edge crack). In that case, again the plate elongated but the initial crack that was resting in the plate never propagated. I would really appreciate if some one can help me to troubleshoot why my plates tend to elonagte rather then crack. Thanks.
Waqas