Transient thermoelastic fracture analysis of functionally graded materials using the scaled boundary finite element method

To model fracture in functionally graded materials (FGMs), the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) is extended to examine the effects of fully coupled transient thermoelasticity. Previously developed SBFEM supplementary shape functions are utilized to model thermal stresses. The spatial variation of thermal and mechanical properties of FGMs are approximated by polynomial functions facilitating the semi-analytical evaluation of coefficient matrices. The dynamic stress intensity factors (SIFs) are also evaluated semi-analytically from their definitions without the need for additional post-processing. Scaled boundary polygon elements are employed to facilitate the meshing of complex crack geometries. Both isotropic and orthotropic materials with different material gradation functions are considered. To study the transient effects of thermoelasticity on fracture parameters, several numerical examples with different crack configurations and boundary conditions are considered. The current approach is validated by comparing the results of dynamic SIFs with available reference solutions.