Abstract
The consistency of four strength theories with fracture mechanics is studied by using finite element methods. This is carried out by calculating the fracture toughness of a material, as the critical value of the stress intensity factor of a centre-cracked infinite sheet, and checking whether or not it remains constant when the half crack length is varied. From fracture mechanics theory it is expected that the fracture toughness, as a characteristic of the material, should remain constant irrespective of the crack length. Thus, it is deduced that the maximum stress theory and the maximum energy theory agree better with fracture mechanics than do the maximum strain and the maximum shear theories.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
