Abstract
ABSTRACTCracks frequently change their shape at geometric discontinuities such as corners or holes. Using the MTU automatic fatigue crack propagation software CRACKTRACER, this phenomenon is investigated for a simple specimen with square cross section and a drilling hole. The analysis shows that a change in crack shape takes place as soon as a discontinuity is reached and can be interpreted as being triggered by the resulting change of intersection angle with the free boundary. This leads to a violation of the previously existing equilibrium conditions and a sharp increase in the local stress intensity factors (K factors). Thereupon, the crack rapidly converges towards a new equilibrium configuration.
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