Abstract
This work presents a solution for the elastic T-stress at the tip of a slightly curved or kinked crack based on a perturbation approach. Compared to other exact or numerical solutions the present solution is accurate for considerable deviations from straightness. The T-stress variation as crack extends along a curved trajectory is subsequently examined. It is predicted that T-stress always keeps negative during crack extension when the crack has an initial negative T-stress. In the case of a positive T-stress and non-zero first and second stress intensity factors initially accompanying the crack, the T-stress is not positive with increasing the extension length until a threshold is exceeded. Based on directional stability criterion with respect to the sign of the T-stress, this result implies that for a straight crack with a positive T-stress, the crack extension path will not turn immediately and instead keep a stable growth until a critical length is reached. This prediction is consistent with experimental observations.
Original language | English |
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Journal | International Journal of Solids and Structures |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 14-15 |
Pages (from-to) | 1753-1763 |
ISSN | 0020-7683 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- Materials and energy storage
- Light strong materials for energy purposes