Some evaluations of the elastic T-term using Eshelby's method

Abstract

For some time now the elastic T-term has been proposed as a secondary “biaxiality” parameter, to be used in conjunction with the stress intensity factor, K I, or the path independent integral J, as the primary parameter for the characterization of crack tip fracture states. At a recent conference a theorem due to Eshelby was presented [1]. The theorem provides a convenient method of calculating the T-term, obtained by evaluating appropriate J contour integrals. Examples of analytical, semi-analytical and numerical applications were included. Here, some additional finite element applications, using a fairly simple idealization, are presented in greater detail and comparison of the results of the different independent analyses available so far are made, giving further evidence of the practical utility of Eshelby's method. New results on double-edge notched specimens are also included.