Local Approach : Numerical Simulations of Creep and Creep-Fatigue Crack Initiation and Crack Growth in 316L SPH Austenitic Stainless Steel

Abstract
This study deals with the evaluation of local approach to assess the mechanical integrity of cracked components submitted to cyclic and steady load at elevated temperature. In this approach, a fracture criterion based on calculated intergranular damage ahead of the crack tip is introduce to simulate both crack initiation and crack propagation in 316 L type austenitic stainless steel. This numerical method, based on finite element computations is firstly described. Then numerical results are compared with sets of experimental data for two specimen geometries during load controlled tests. A damage criterion in good agreement with previous studies leads to promising load-displacement response, crack initiation and crack growth curves.