Simulation of crack propagation in a thick-walled cylinder using XFEM

The integrity assessment to evaluate the safety margin of reactor pressure vessels (RPV) often considers only crack initiation and excludes propagation analysis. This contribution focuses on analysis in RPV steels. eXtended Finite Element (XFEM) method implemented ABAQUS is applied a thick-walled cylindrical specimen with circumferential at inner surface order simulate embrittled subjected Pressurized Thermal Shock (PTS). cylinder considered this study was tested FALSIRE project, which results reported opening displacement (COD) crack-arrest cycles occurring during cooling down process. In XFEM, reduced three-dimensional finite element (FE) model small sector (a slice cylinder) used by applying cyclic symmetry boundary conditions. COD evolution PTS transient calculated compared against experimental COD. experiment, shows several initiation-arrest-re-initiation final arrest. However, from simulation show smooth continuous increase indicating progressive growth.