Element Size And Type Optimization And Simulation Of Fatigue Crack Propagation Of 16MnR Steel

16MnR steel is used extensively in pressure vessel. It must be a disaster or environmental pollution once accident occurs or vessel leaks. The systematic research was carried out about cyclic plasticity theory and multiaxial fatigue criterion in this paper, and fatigue crack propagation is simulated, element size and type is optimization, all studies can be concluded as follows.The fatigue crack growth rate for 16MnR steel is simulated based on a powerful cyclic plasticity model proposed by Jiang and Sehitoglu. The elastic-plastic field near the crack tip under cyclic loading was computed by using the finite element code (ABAQUS) with the implementation of this cyclic plasticity model.The stress-strain data near the crack tip is analyzed using the finite element method with the implementation of fatigue damage criterion developed by Jiang, a new prediction of crack propagation is base on the detailed stress analysis of a cracked specimen and the use of a fatigue damage criterion with the help of self-developed program.With the help of comparison of different element sizes and types FE simulation results and experiment results, we can learn much about behaviors of 16MnR steel under fatigue crack propagation and optimize the element size and type.The results in this paper are useful for the prediction of crack propagation, life prediction methods, design curves and damage evaluation models of low-cycle fatigue.