FRacture ANalysis Code 2-D/Layered
FRacture ANalysis Code 2-D/LayeredFRANC2D/L is a highly interactive finite element program for the small deformation analysis of two-dimensional structures. As such, it is useful for engineering calculations or for instruction in finite element and fracture courses. Linear elastic fracture mechanics analyses can be performed with automatic remeshing as the crack grows. The layered capability allows the user to model riveted and adhesively bonded structures, such as lap joints and bonded repairs. Elastic-plastic material behavior is also available. This allows the user to model tearing with the critical crack tip opening angle approach. This provides the full capability of growing a fatigue crack and calculating residual (tearing) strength as a function of crack length.
FRANC2D/L is an extension of FRANC2D, which was originally written by Paul Wawrzynek at Cornell for the analysis of crack growth. A key concept in his work was the use of a winged-edge data structure to describe the geometry. This greatly facilitates automatic remeshing during crack growth.
Kansas State University is being funded by NASA, as part of the Aging Aircraft Program, to extend the the code to simulate crack growth in layered structures.
Mark James completed his doctorate in 1998 while working on the code. His primary focus was the addition of elastic-plastic tearing. His dissertation is available below. Note that the report contains color (7 pages) and that several of the bitmap images don't print well. The document is set up for double sided duplex printing.
Paper copies are available from Prof. Dan Swenson.
The following pages give brief samples of the capability of FRANC2D/L.
The executables for FRANC2D/L are distributed freely. We want people to use the program, but can not afford to provide a commercial support service. Short questions may be addressed to swenson@ksu.edu.
It is expected that users of the program will acknowledge the program when they use the program in any papers or reports. The proper reference is:
James, Mark, and Swenson, Daniel, "FRANC2D/L: A Crack Propagation Simulator for Plane Layered Structures," available from http://www.mne.ksu.edu/~franc2d/.
The user is responsible for any conclusions made using the program. Neither Kansas State University, NASA, nor any of the developers are responsible for any use to which the program is put.
FRANC2D/L is available for Windows 95/NT and several unix workstations. The links below allow you to access the executables. For a typical installation we recommend that you download FRANC2D/L, Casca (simple mesh generator), castofranc (translator for building multi-layered meshes) and either the short or full version of the User's Manual.