Modelling short crack propagation in a single crystal nickel-based superalloy using crystal plasticity and XFEM

Short cracks appearing under fatigue conditions are of major concern for safety-critical components. In this paper, a computational approach based on crystal plasticity and extended finite element method is developed to predict the slip-controlled short crack growth in a single crystal nickel-based superalloy. The onset of fracture is controlled by cumulative shear strain of individual slip system and the direction of crack growth follows crystallographic slip plane. Simulations are carried out for [111] orientation at 24 °C and 650 °C, and the results confirm the capability of this approach in predicting the tortuous crack path and irregular propagation rate.