Statistical analysis of the influence of geometric parameters on static crack growth
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/jmes.19.4.2025.8.0856Keywords:
Linear elastic fracture mechanics Design of experiments, Response surface methodology, Finite element analysis, Central composite designAbstract
This study integrates advanced statistical techniques with Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) to assess geometric parameter contributions to crack behaviour in a stepped bar. The component was subjected to static flexural loading (600 kN) using ANSYS Workbench, where Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) and crack extension were determined via Separating Morphing and Adaptive Re-meshing Technology (SMART). Twenty-seven Central Composite Design (CCD) experiments evaluated the influence of minor and major radii, height, fillet radius, and bore depth. Regression and ANOVA analyses identified height as the most significant factor affecting crack extension. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) contour plots demonstrated that higher height, combined with low fillet radius and bore depth, resulted in SIF values exceeding 2200 MPa√mm. The developed models explained up to 99.07% of the variability. These findings provide guidelines for geometry optimisation to enhance the fracture resistance of stepped components in critical load-bearing applications.
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