Crack Propagation Simulation In A Plate WithCracks And An Inclusion

Abstract

The criterion of maximum principle stress (cremax criterion) at the crack tip is known as one of the most prominent and convenient rule for estimating the direction of brittle crack propagation. Therefore, in simulating the brittle crack propagation, the step-by-step crack propagation scheme combined with <J0max criterion is frequently used. On using this criterion, accurate estimation of the stress intensity factor of propagating crack is indispensable, since the direction of the crack propagation is valuated immediately from the ratio of the mode I and II stress intensity factors. Consequently, in the crack propagation simulation, the calculation technique which provides high accuracy for analyzing the stress intensity factors at the tips of arbitrarily shaped crack within the allowable calculation time is highly desired. To ensure such requirements, the Body Force Method is extended so as to be applicable to the crack propagation problems. Since the present method involves no numerical integrations, the calculation time required for the simulation is remarkably reduced. Using the present method, a crack propagation problem in a two dimensional rectangular plate is analyzed and the fracture behavior is discussed when an inclusion exists in the vicinity of the propagating crack. The stability of crack propagation path, which is important for the specimen design, is also discussed. Transactions on Engineering Sciences vol 19, © 1998 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3533 Damage and Fracture Mechanics