Evaluation of the multiple embedded cracks interaction effect in creep regime by creep damage method

Abstract

The crack growth behavior and creep interaction of two coplanar dissimilar embedded cracks subjected to remote tensile load were investigated. The influence of dissimilar crack size, crack configurations on crack growth behavior in the presence of multiple cracks were studied through the variation of crack growth rate, which was achieved using creep damage method. For cases of multiple cracks, crack initiation position depended on crack distance, crack aspect ratio and relative crack length. Moreover, as the difference of crack length between two cracks was large, the interaction intensity was small and had slight effect on crack growth behavior. Furthermore, the creep interaction factor was recommended to be employed as the criterion for evaluating the multiple cracks interaction. According to the magnified ratio of crack growth rates, the critical value of γcreep for combination of multiple embedded cracks was assumed to be 1.10. Finally, a new combination rule for multiple embedded cracks was proposed.