Mixed-mode crack growth analysis using a cyclic plasticity model

Abstract

The effects of two singularity fields, namely, the HRR solution and modified form of the nonlinear kinematic hardening (NKH) solution, on the pure mode I and mixed mode I/II fatigue crack propagation were investigated. Experiments and computations were performed on compact tension shear (CTS) specimens of P2M steel, aluminium 7050, and Ti-6Al-4V with different monotonic and cyclic elastic–plastic properties. The analysis of the experimental data on the crack growth rate for all tested materials is given in terms of plastic stress intensity factors (SIFs) according to the HRR and NKH models. The elastic–plastic crack tip fields were obtained by FE computation as a function of the position along the curvilinear crack path for the monotonic condition and the first several cycles of fatigue deformation considering the Bauschinger effect. As a complement to the FE modelling, digital image correlation (DIC) measurements of the displacement and strain fields around the crack tip in the CTS specimens were performed. This study aimed to obtain more detailed information on the local cyclic strain ahead of the mixed mode crack tip by using DIC. From the sensitivity analysis, it was established that the DIC value depended significantly on the location along the crack direction of the pair of points selected before and behind the crack tip. In this study, acceleration or retardation of the crack growth rate in terms of the NKH plastic SIF with respect to the HRR model was observed because of the coupling effect of the mode mixity and cyclic plastic properties of the tested P2M steel, aluminium 7050, and Ti-6Al-4V.