An irreversible cohesive zone model for interface fatigue crack growth simulation

Fatigue crack growth (FCG) along an interface is studied. Instead of using the Paris equation, the actual process of material separation during FCG is described by the use of an irreversible constitutive equation for the cyclic interface traction–separation behavior within the cohesive zone model (CZM) approach. In contrast to past development of CZMs, the traction–separation behavior does not follows a predefined path. The model definition, its predicted cyclic material separation behavior and application to a numerical study of interface FCG in double-cantilever beam, end-loaded split and mixed-mode beam specimens are reported.