Utilization of Williams’ Power Series for Estimation of Crack Behavior under Mixed-Mode Loading

Abstract

Multi-parameter fracture mechanics concept has been applied to investigate crack behavior under mixed-mode loading, particularly in a semi-circular bending disc. The so-called Williams’ series expansion is used for the crack-tip stress field approximation. It has been shown that application of the generalized fracture mechanics concept can be crucial for materials with specific fracture behavior, such as elastic-plastic or quasi-brittle one, when fracture occurs not only in the very vicinity of the crack tip, but also in a more distant surrounding. Then, considering the higher-order terms of the Williams’ expansion in fracture criteria can be helpful. The attention is devoted to the analysis of the influence of various distances between the supports during the three-point bending test on the results of the further crack propagation direction.