Output details

Finite element and analytical modelling of crack closure due to repeated overloads

Significance of output:

Fatigue and fracture is a vital aspect of airframe design, with the UK aerospace sector accounting for ~£20bn annual turnover. This work represented a three-way collaboration between academia, material supplier (Alcan) and user (Airbus). This paper extends a body of work on the controlling phenomenon of crack overloads (experiments/modelling). A much simplified approach to these complex processes is provided, reducing simulation effort over established methods. Whilst civil aerospace activity in advanced metallics has contracted recently, Airbus UK fully funded a further €250k programme (Richard.collins@airbus.com), in partnership with INSA-Lyon, directly applying the same concepts to extremely small structural defects.