Static Cracks in a Linearly Elastic Body

Abstract

Although linear elasticity is not intended for a high strain gradient, that is high strain and rotation, it is the main model in fracture mechanics. Linear elasticity provides the basis for the determination of the global (macrolevel) energy release and of the stress field outside a vicinity of the crack tip where it is not valid. In linear elastic fracture mechanics, crack equilibrium and crack propagation are considered on the basis of linear elasticity comparing the global energy release rate or the stress intensity factors with the corresponding critical values. In turn, these latter values reflect the influence of the fracture process zone; they can be obtained experimentally or by calculations based on other material models. Here a homogeneous isotropic elastic medium is considered.