SEDL / STP / STP1406-EB / STP10596S

Use of KIc and Constraint to Predict Load and Location for Initiation of Crack Growth in Specimens Containing Part-Through Cracks

Reuter, WG
Engineer/scientific fellow, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID

Newman, JC
Senior scientist, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA

Skinner, JD
Graduate student, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS

Mear, ME
Associate professor, University of Texas, Austin, TX

Lloyd, WR
Advisory engineer, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID

Pages: 28    Published: Jan 2002

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Abstract

The configuration of part-through cracks (PTC) in specimens is similar to that of natural cracks in structural components. Consequently, test data from PTC specimens may be used to predict crack initiation or failure stresses and are used to evaluate the adequacy of predictive models. This paper compares experimental results obtained from PTC specimens, tested under either tensile or bending loads, with predictions of crack initiation stresses made using results from plane-strain fracture toughness specimens tested per ASTM E 399. Test data generated from single-edge-crack bend (SE(B)) specimens are used to predict values of the applied stress intensity factor (K) and the angle ø where crack growth initiation occurs in PTC specimens.