Artificial neural networks-based J-integral prediction for cracked bodies under elasto-plastic deformation state –cyclic loading

The study builds upon a prior modeling framework designed for monotonic loading to compute the cyclic J-integral encompassing a crack tip experiencing elastic–plastic deformation due to cyclic loads. The proposed modeling approach extends the authors' earlier time-efficient method for computing the J-integral by combining artificial neural networks (ANNs) with finite element (FE) analyses. The ANN-FE integration allows efficient and accurate prediction of elastic–plastic stresses, strains and displacement fields for a crack body under cyclic loadings from the linear elastic FE solution. In the context of cyclic loading, stress, strain, and displacement fields near the crack tip of stainless steel (SS304) are determined by FE analyses under both elastic and elasto-plastic states for various crack sizes and R-ratios. ANNs models are developed to establish the nonlinear relationship between these two states. Consequently, the proposed approach enables the prediction of the elasto-plastic cyclic J-integral through the equivalent domain integral method, based on the elastic FE solution bypassing the need of a complicated elasto-plastic FE solution under cyclic loadings. The results show that this approach can effectively predict elasto-plastic cyclic J-integral while avoiding the complex computation of elastic–plastic deformation fields around the crack tip during cyclic loadings.