A comparison of two methods for predicting ductile crack growth instability

Autor: S G Druce, G P Gibson
Rok vydání: 1985
Předmět:
Zdroj: The Journal of Strain Analysis for Engineering Design. 20:165-172
ISSN: 2041-3130
0309-3247
DOI: 10.1243/03093247v203165
Popis: One mode by which a structure can fail in an unstable manner is ductile crack propagation from a pre-existing defect. Two approaches have been suggested to predict the conditions for such an instability. These are the T approach of Paris et al. and the I approach of Turner. The Paris T approach is based on the stability of the equilibrium state between the applied value of the J integral and the J versus crack extension material resistance curve. Under linear elastic conditions instability may be interpreted as occurring when the second differential of available energy (with respect to crack extension exceeds that required for crack extension. In the elastic-plastic regime this interpretation is lost and the tearing modulus approach uses the J integral as a crack tip field characterising parameter. The Turner approach, on the other hand, is based on the balance between the energies available and required for crack extension. Under linear-elastic conditions instability occurs when the first differential of available energy exceeds that required for crack extension. Under elastic-plastic conditions the Turner approach continues to be an energy balance with the driving force being the elastic energy release rate, I, rather than the linear-elastic energy release rate, G. A comparison of the two approaches has been carried out by re-analysing the instability results of Paris et al., obtained using single-edge-notched, three-point bend specimens under conditions where the J integral can be considered as a crack tip field characterising parameter. Under these conditions both approaches, although based on different assumptions, are numerically similar and the predicted conditions for instability are in good agreement with experimental results. In addition, the two approaches are shown to be numerically similar for the case of centre-cracked tension specimens under limit load conditions. This agreement in two geometries of differing constraint gives tentative support for the generality of this result.
Databáze: OpenAIRE