Effect of inner and outer defect coupling on crack initiation of axle based on crystal plasticity theory
ZHOU Suxia
SHANG Hao
ZHANG Zhao
Abstract：[Objective]This study aims to investigate the coupling effect between inner and outer defects on fatigue crack initiation in high-speed train axles to ensure operational safety.[Methods]Firstly,a multi-crystal finite element model was established at the mesoscopic scale based on crystal plasticity theory.Secondly,tensile and impact tests were conducted,and finite element simulations were utilized to analyze the stress field and structural deformation around these defects.Finally,the crack initiation location was predicted based on the characteristics of stress distribution and plastic strain energy density.[Results]The findings indicate that the interaction between the two defects strengthens as the inner defect approaches the outer defect,significantly promoting crack initiation.Conversely,when the inner inclusion is located at the center of the model,the interaction is minimized,and external defects become the primary drivers of crack initiation.
Keywords：Crystal plasticity theoryDefect couplingCrack initiationStress fieldPlastic strain energy density
Publication Date：2026-05-31
Online Publishing Date：2026-09-12(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 58-65 )