Non-linear delamination fracture analysis by using power-law hardening

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to perform a theoretical analysis of non-linear delamination fracture in cantilever beam opened notch (CBON) configuration. It is assumed that the non-linear mechanical behavior of the CBON can be described by using a stress-strain curve with power-law hardening. Design/methodology/approach – The fracture analysis is carried-out by applying the integration contour independent J-integral. For this purpose, a model based on the technical beam theory is used. Equation is derived for determination of the CBON specimen curvature in elastic-plastic stage of deformation. The equation is solved by using the MatLab program system. Solutions of the J-integral are obtained at linear-elastic as well as elastic-plastic behavior of the CBON. The influence of the power-law exponent on the non-linear fracture is evaluated. Findings – The analysis reveals that the J-integral value increases when the exponent of the power-law increases. The solution obtained here is very useful for parametric analyses of the non-linear fracture behavior, since the simple formulas derived capture the essentials of the fracture response. Practical implications – Beside for parametric investigations, the solution obtained here can also be applied for calculating the critical J-integral value at non-linear behavior using experimentally determined critical fracture load at the onset of crack growth from the initial crack tip position in the CBON configuration. Originality/value – An analysis is performed of the non-linear fracture in the CBON configuration by applying the J-integral approach, assuming that the mechanical response can be modeled using a stress-strain curve with power-law hardening.