Numerical Modeling of Fatigue Crack Propagation Kinetics in Thin Finite-Size Isotropic Plates

A numerical model has been developed to simulate the propagation of fatigue cracks in thin finite size isotropic plates, accounting for the history of damage accumulation. The model integrates the principles of fracture mechanics and continuous damage mechanics. The primary mechanism governing the fatigue failure process is the accumulation of damage along the crack path. The kinetics of fatigue crack growth under uniaxial high-cycle asymmetric tension–compression loading has been analyzed. The results of calculations have demonstrated satisfactory agreement with experimental data, validating the model.