Extended finite element simulation on Tensile, fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth behaviour of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V alloy

The mechanical properties such as tensile, fracture toughness, and fatigue properties of Additive Manufacturing (AM) fabricated Ti6Al4V alloy is critically crucial for structural applications. The in-house developed MATLAB-based extended finite elements method (XFEM) model has been utilized to analyse experimental results of fatigue, fracture, and tensile properties of AM fabricated Ti6Al4V alloy, to avoid expensive and destructive mechanical characterisation. The XFEM model was first used to validate the single edge cracked sample of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processed Ti6Al4V alloy for fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR). The XFEM simulation study was further extended to analyse fatigue life of center and double-side cracked specimens, as well as for evaluating fracture toughness KIC upon accounting potential crack initiation site. The model has also been developed to predict FCGR of edge cracked specimen under mixed-mode loading conditions. The critical stress intensity factor (SIF) and stress distribution map in the crack vicinity of the C(T) specimen were modelled through FEA Abaqus package to estimate the fracture toughness of Ti alloy. A similar XFEM approach was used to analyse the tensile properties of Ti alloy to predict its fracture behaviour through the center cracked specimen taken at the tensile gauge section. The strengthening mechanisms contributing to Ti alloy's static and dynamic properties are elucidated through microstructural characteristics of LPBF processed Ti6Al4V alloy reported in the literature.