Overview of phase-field models for fatigue fracture in a unified framework

The phase-field method has gained much attention as a novel method to simulate fracture due to its straightforward way allowing to cover crack initiation and propagation without additional conditions. More recently, it has also been applied to fatigue fracture due to cyclic loading. This publication gives an overview of the main phase-field fatigue models published to date. For the first time, we present all models in a unified variational framework for best comparability. Subsequently, the models are compared regarding their most important features. It becomes apparent that they can be classified in mainly two categories according to the way fatigue is implemented in the model – that is as a gradual degradation of the fracture toughness or as an additional term in the crack driving force. We aim to provide a helpful guide for choosing the appropriate model for different applications and for developing existing models further.