About AFGROW

AFGROW is a Damage Tolerance Analysis (DTA) framework that allows users to analyze crack initiation, fatigue crack growth, and fracture to predict the life of metallic structures. AFGROW (Air Force Grow), was originally developed by The Air Force Research Laboratory. It is now being developed and maintained by LexTech, Inc.

AFGROW is one of the most efficient and widely used crack growth life prediction tools available today. AFGROW is mainly used for aerospace applications; however, it can be applied to any type of metallic structure that experiences fatigue cracking. For example, the latest releases of AFGROW have increased its utility for pipeline maintenance applications with the addition of API 579 stress intensity solutions. AFGROW also includes CorLAS Burst Model, MAT-8 Burst Model, and the API 579 Level 2 Failure Assessment (FAD) as selectable transition/failure criteria. AFGROW is a very flexible and user-friendly computer program.

The AFGROW stress intensity factor library provides solutions for 46 classic models, 22 new API-579 stress intensity solutions for several cracked pipe geometries, and 2 new special case solutions for 2-D multisite damage scenarios. These crack geometries include axial, bending, and bearing load cases when applicable. In addition, an advanced, multiple crack capability allows AFGROW to analyze two independent cracks in a plate (including hole effects), non-symmetric corner cracked holes, countersunk holes, and a continuing damage solution. This capability allows AFGROW to handle cases with more than one crack growing from a row of fastener holes. A solution for combinations of through and corner cracks at a hole has been added in the release 5.4. In addition, a new finite with correction is available for part-through cracks at open holes to improve accuracy for narrow plates (W/D < 4).

AFGROW includes five crack growth rate models (Forman Equation, Walker Equation, Tabular lookup, Harter-T Method and NASGRO Equation). A material database is now included with the tabular look-up option. The ability to use tabular data for each crack growth direction and/or environmental condition is available. There are several options for load interaction (retardation) modelling (Closure, FASTRAN, Hsu, Wheeler, and Generalized Willenborg models). AFGROW also includes a strain-life based crack initiation capability (expanded parameter database) and other options such as: user-defined stress intensity solutions, user-defined beta modification factors, and a residual stress analysis capability. A variety of useful tools are also included (spectrum filtering, K-solution filtering, spectrum cycle counting, extensive cut/paste capabilities, and output to MS Excel).

There are several user-defined preferences that may be used to control the methods used in the life prediction process. New preferences in this release include Pipe Burst/Failure Assessment, Spectrum Preferences, and Metric Length Units (meters or millimeters).

The AFGROW GUI includes real time crack growth animation, crack length vs. cycle plotting, and crack growth rate model plots with data overlay capability.

English and metric units may be converted on the fly, and output data may be plotted in cycles or hours.

The AFGROW spectrum has been updated to XML format and allows the use of multi-channel spectra (i.e., Axial, Bending, & Bearing), environmental, and damage tagging. Damage tags allow AFGROW to track the amount of damage caused by tagged cycles. AFGROW Spectrum Manager software provides the user with an intuitive GUI to build new spectra and/or convert existing spectra to the new format. Spectrum Manager is now included as part of the AFGROW installation.

AFGROW provides COM (Component Object Model) Automation interfaces that allows AFGROW to interface with other Windows applications to perform repetitive tasks or control AFGROW from these applications AFGROW also includes a plug-in stress intensity solution interface that allows AFGROW users to develop additional stress intensity factor (K) solutions. Users may create their own stress intensity solutions by writing and compiling dynamic link libraries (DLLs) using relatively simple routines. This includes the ability to animate the crack growth for these solutions. This interface also makes it possible for FE analysis software to pass stress intensity information to AFGROW throughout the crack life prediction process, allowing for a tremendous amount of analytical flexibility.

Single User License: $1,730.00 (Includes upgrades for one year & an hour of technical support)
Consortium Membership: $17,500.00 per year site license (Partnership in new development & unlimited technical support)
A searchable fracture mechanics database is available to users with a Version 5 (or higher) license.

*The bonded repair capability is only available for U.S. sales