Fatigue crack paths in light aircraft wing spars. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grbović, Aleksandar; Kastratović, Gordana; Sedmak, Aleksandar; Balać, Igor; Popović, Mihajlo D.
• Is Part Of: International journal of fatigue. Volume 123(2019)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Integral and differential structures -- Extended finite element method -- Crack paths -- Crack growth rate; Materials -- Fatigue -- Periodicals; Materials -- Fatigue; Periodicals; 620.1122
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2019.02.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-1123

Abstract

Highlights: Different cracks paths in three different wing spar designs are analysed. Numerical analysis was carried out and results were verified using experimental data. Integral spar was optimized using fatigue life as criterion. Crack propagation simulation was carried out using XFEM. Results provided better understanding of multiple cracks growth in 3D structures. Abstract: Different cracks paths in three different wing spar designs are analysed (differential, integral and optimized integral) to explore how those cracks paths affect fatigue life estimation. First, numerical analysis was carried out and verified, using the experimental data for differential wing spar, followed by numerical analysis of both optimized integral wing spars. The optimized integral spar was obtained by analysing three different cross-sections regarding fatigue life. Crack propagation simulation and fatigue life estimation were carried out by the extended finite element method, using Morfeo/Crack for Abaqus. Results provided better understanding and prediction of multiple cracks propagation in 3D structures.