Estimation of SIF by Numerical Method

Workineh G.-2017015653 1
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 Mode I

Modes of Deformation /
Mode II
fracture of a cracked body

Mode III

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Stress intensity factor determination plays a central role
in LEFM problems. The stress singularity right at the tip
of the crack cannot be experienced in real nature
because inelastic deformation prevents the crack tip
from being perfectly sharp. However, according to small
scale yielding of the process zone immediately around
the crack tip in comparison with the K-field region the
SIF is the quantity which dictates if/when the crack will
propagate.

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Recall that our prime goal of studying
fracture mechanics is to predict whether a
crack is likely to grow or not.
If the SIF of a crack approaches or
exceeds an upper limit of the stress
intensity factor, the crack may grow. The
upper limit is known as the critical stress
intensity factor which is a material
property and is usually denoted by the
symbol KIc for Mode I cases.

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 EXAMPLE-1
A thin plate with an edge crack of 3 mm length is loaded in Mode
I with a far field stress of 150 MPa. Determine the SIF.
150MPa

SIF=?
W=20
a=3
(Hint use :

KI= 582.328 MPa 𝑚𝑚 (ANS)

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ANSYS Solution for SIF Continued..

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Coninued…

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 Example- 2

Suppose that a wing component on an aircraft is

fabricated from an aluminum alloy that has a plane
strain fracture toughness of 40 MPa √m . It has been
determined that fracture results at a stress of 365 MPa
when the maximum internal crack length is 2.5 mm .
For this same component and alloy, the critical stress
level at which fracture will occur is 250MPa for a critical
internal crack length of 4.0 mm. Justify weather crack
propagate or not.

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Solution :
It first becomes necessary to solve for the parameter for
the conditions under which fracture occurred using Equation

Now we will solve for KI

X1.75
= 250 Mpa X

= 34.67

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Therefore, since the fracture toughness
at critical stress is less than the
threshold value of material, the crack
has less probability of propagation.

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