First, the usually curved fatigue crack path and its stress-intensity factors are calculated at small crack increments in a specialized finite-element software, using automatic remeshing algorithms, special crack tip elements and appropriate crack increment criteria.
Simulations involving simpler geometries were performed with Abaqus (Simulia, Providence, RI) finite element modeling software, using the same material model as in other simulations and shell finite elements.
DCB and ENF mechanical test results from a previous work of some of the authors are used as reference for the identification of cohesive zone model by numerical simulations with the finite element software Abaqus using implicit time integration.
All simulations were performed in the Abaqus finite element software environment using the virtual crack closure technique.
The theoretical results of moment modification factors are compared with commercial finite element software (ABAQUS) using shell elements.
