Numerical modelling of crack–contact interaction in 2D incomplete fretting contacts using X-FEM

In this study, we present a numerical analysis of cracks located at the end of the contact zone in 2D cylindrical fretting problems. The numerical modeling of the crack is performed with a single finite element mesh that does not need to conform to the crack geometry thanks to the use of the extended finite element method (X-FEM). The proposed approach enables the study of the crack–contact interaction effects in an efficient and systematic way. The objective of this study is to assess whether the crack presence modifies the contact conditions in a significant manner. The influence of these effects on the stress intensity factors for different crack lengths and angles is also ascertained.