Finite element modeling of melting crack tip under thermo-electric Joule heating

The finite element modeling of the melting crack tip under thermo-electric Joule heating is presented in this paper. It is necessary to consider the AC input, temperature-dependent material constants and crack contact conditions. The shape of the melting crack tip zone may be either circular or elliptical. As the crack length relative to the plate width becomes too small, the crack tip may not melt. Finally, this paper demonstrates that the electric current density factor cannot be used to estimate the crack tip temperature and melting condition.