Numerical estimation of stress intenisty factors and crack propagation in lug connector with existing flaw

In this paper, series of FEM analyses were performed to define stress intensity factors in 42CrMo4 steel lug joint and predict cycling crack growth. An eXtended Finite Element Method were used in computations to investigate influence of different types of boundary conditions. Crack geometry was assumed as through - thickness. The Results of stress intensity factors for stationary cracks were compared with Newman and Schijve analytical solutions. Crack paths were obtained for 2D by implementing Paris Law coupled with crack propagation criterion and direct cycling algorithm for three different hardness of steel (28,42,54 HRC). All the studies were computed an pre–processed in ABAQUS environment.