Numerical Simulation of Mechanical Fracture Testings

This paper deals with the determination of stress intensity factors in a WC-6Co sample through the Finite Elements Method (FEM). A compact specimen configuration, used in fracture testings, was numerically modelled with the FEM commercial code MARCTM. First, in studying of this specimen was considered a bidimensional strain plane analysis. Several meshes were used in the tested models and then results were compared with the experimental data, that can be found on technical literature. Finally, a tridimensional compact specimen was also modelled and studied. With these results, we were able to understand better the triaxial stress behaviour in the central portion of the specimen. It’s hopeful this methodology will be applied in nonconventional fracture mechanics testings, such as a Vickers indentation technique.