Simulation of tensile test by node separation method

A new computer program, based on a conventional computer program for the finite-element method, with which the behaviour of crack growth after ductile fracture can be analysed, has been developed. The condition whereby a material is divided into two materials upon tensile test, which is a representative material test, has been simulated by the program. The yield function proposed by Gurson and two kinds of evolution equation are utilised. The material is assumed to fracture when the void volume fraction of the material reaches a certain value. The tensile test experiment using steel, copper and aluminium is performed and the experimental results are compared with the analytical results. The effect of values of parameters in the evolution equation on the analytical results is demonstrated.