3D Fracture Mechanics using ANSYS M L Moorthy, P Valan Arasu University College of Engineering, Osmania University moorthyvlr@yahoo.com pvalan@rediffmail.

com This paper will address methods of performing truly three-dimensional fracture machines analyses in ANSYS. Generally available fracture machines techniques and their and use with ANSYS for 3D analysis will be briefly discussed. Techniques include the crack opening displacement method for LEFM, Crack Tip opening Displacement (CTOD) method for EPFM and the J- Integral method. A software implementation using COD method in conjunction with ANSYS will be presented. This implementation address generation of cracked 3D meshed and crack growth prediction. Examples will demonstrate large scale crack growth under generalized mixed- mode loading and the development of complex 3D crack surfaces.

Keyword: LEFM, EPFM, CTOD and COD