General remarks on cyclic cohesive zone models

Cyclic cohesive zone models represent powerful numerical tools to describe and predict different phenomena of fatigue. In the present paper a review is given about the state of the art of cyclic cohesive zone modelling. Firstly, a commented survey of the history of cyclic cohesive zone models is presented starting from the strip-yield models of Dugdale and Barenblatt and ending with the modern creep-fatigue models. Next, the paper focuses on the thermodynamically consistent formulation of cyclic cohesive zone models. In particular, the formulation of cohesive zone potentials, the choice of appropriate deformation and damage measures as well as the assembly of damage evolution equations are discussed in detail. In this context, established models are critically compared with a model recently proposed by the authors. Finally, some numerical examples are presented for illustration, dealing with fatigue crack growth, uniaxial fatigue life prediction, and intergranular fatigue damage. These simulations demonstrate the wide range of applications of cyclic cohesive zone models.