Evaluation of <i>J</i> Integral for Interacting Twin Collinear Through-Wall Cracks in a Plate under Tension

Abstract

The interaction behavior of twin collinear through-wall cracks in tension loaded plate under elastic-plastic condition is investigated by the finite element method (FEM). The fracture parameter J integral for interacting cracks is calculated and compared to the J integral for a single crack the same size. In this way, the interaction factor of cracks under elastic-plastic condition is defined. This interaction factor is compared to the results of analytical solution of the interaction factor under linear elastic condition. The results show that interaction factor of cracks under elastic-plastic condition is higher than interaction factor of same cracks under linear elastic condition. Also the interaction effect of cracks under elastic-plastic condition is influenced not only by the crack configurations but also by the material properties, especially the strain hardening exponent n.