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Mode I cracks subjected to large T-stresses

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Abstract

There are several criteria for predicting brittle fracture in mode I and mixed mode loading. In this paper, the modified maximum tangential stress criterion originally proposed for mixed mode loading, is employed to study theoretically brittle fracture for mode I cracks. In particular, the effect of the non-singular term of stress, often known as the T-stress, on the angle of initiation of fracture and the onset of crack growth is explored. The T-stress component of the tangential stress vanishes along the crack line. Therefore, it is often postulated for linear elastic materials that the effect of T-stress on mode I brittle fracture can be ignored. However, it is shown here that the maximum tangential stress is no longer along the line of initial crack when the T-stress exceeds a critical value. Thus, a deviation in the angle of initiation of fracture can be expected for specimens having a large T-stress. It is shown that the deviation angle increases for larger values of T-stress. Theoretical results show that the apparent fracture toughness decreases significantly when a deviation in angle occurs. Earlier experimental results are used to corroborate the findings. The effect of large T-stresses is also explored for a crack specimen undergoing moderate scale yielding. The elastic-plastic investigation is conducted using finite element analysis. The finite element results reveal a similar deviation in the angle of maximum tangential stress for small to moderate scale yielding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, 16844, Iran

    M.R. Ayatollahi

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK

    M.J. Pavier & D.J. Smith

Authors
  1. M.R. Ayatollahi
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  2. M.J. Pavier
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  3. D.J. Smith
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Ayatollahi, M., Pavier, M. & Smith, D. Mode I cracks subjected to large T-stresses. International Journal of Fracture 117, 159–174 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020973802643

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