MT2409 November, 2010

Fracture Mechanics

ABAQUS EXERCISE # 2

A thin-steel plate, whose dimensions (in mm) are shown in figure 1, will be subjected
under a tensile test. The idea of such test is to determine experimentally the Stress
Concentration Factor, kt, around its fillets.

However, we could use a FEM model in order to predict such value. Assume that the
tensile load, F, is 4500N and it is applied on the right end (15 mm height). The other end
is assumed to be completely fixed. (See figure 2).

Also consider E=205GPa and   0.3

Thickness: 1.2 mm

Figure 1.Thin Plate subjected to a tensile load.

Figure 2.Model of the thin plate under a tensile test.

HINT:

The stress concentration factor is given by:

 max
kt 
0

where  max is the maximum stress which is expected around the fillet, and  0 is the
nominal stress calculated according to the minimum cross section of the plate. In this
case:

F 4500 N
0  
A (0.015 x0.0012)m 2

 Then, by modeling the plate in ABAQUS, estimate the maximum Stress

(According to Tresca Criteria) around the fillets and calculate the Stress
Concentration Factor, kt , from the formulas given above.

 Also calculate Kt according to charts found in the appendix of any solid

mechanics book. Compare the results.