Modelling the nucleation and propagation of cracks at twin boundaries

Abstract Fracture arising from cracks nucleating and propagating along twin boundaries is commonly observed in metals that exhibit twinning as a plastic deformation mechanism. This phenomenon affects the failure of macroscopic mechanical components, but it not fully understood. We present simulations which continuum model for discrete twins cohesive zone are coupled to aid understanding fracture at boundaries. The interaction between different systems modelled using local term depends on variables. Simulations reveal resolved shear stress necessary an incident propagate through barrier can be up eight times nucleation. Interface elements used interfaces all bulk simulate arbitrary intragranular cracks. An algorithm detect developed their strength has been calibrated give good agreement with experimentally path. elasto-plastic induced by crystal plasticity finite element method tips captured. tensile caused tip sufficient nucleate crack. A typical staircase path, interfaces, reproduced only if decreased about one-third material. help understand activation multiple materials.