Prediction and numerical study on penetrating double-crack interaction effects in stiffened plates based on intelligent computing

Abstract

To address the safety assessment of stiffened plates with multiple cracks, this study proposes a numerical and intelligent prediction method for interference effects of through double cracks. Based on linear elastic fracture mechanics, an ABAQUS-FRANC3D co-simulation model is established to calculate stress intensity factors using the M-integral method. The effects of crack size ratio, transverse spacing and longitudinal spacing on the interference factor are systematically investigated. Results show that crack spacing dominates crack configuration and determines the transition between amplification and shielding effects, while crack size ratio mainly affects interference intensity. Stiffeners reduce the amplification degree, with a maximum reduction of about 15%. The inner crack tip is more sensitive to stress-field interaction and should be regarded as a key inspection location. A nonlinear prediction model is further developed to rapidly estimate interference factors, providing an efficient method for structural integrity assessment.