Extended finite element method simulation of fatigue crack growth in a charpy specimen

Research presented here demonstrates the application of the extended finite element method (XFEM) in modelling of fatigue crack growth. This method provides certain advantages to classic approaches since it does not need to generate a new finite element mesh around the crack tip, saving considerable time and making XFEM simulations very efficient. In this specific case, the focus is on 3D fatigue crack growth simulations in Charpy specimens, performed using ABAQUS (c) software and its XFEM extension, Morfeo.