On the Mechanism of Energy Dissipation in a Fatigue Crack

Experimental studies of specimens with a Mode-I edge crack in bending vibration have demonstrated that energy dissipation in the fatigue crack is mainly due to an elastoplastic zone at the crack tip. The absolute level of energy dissipation in the crack is unambiguously governed by the stress intensity factor range and is independent of specimen dimensions and crack location.     

Vibration Characteristics of Fatigue Damage of Beam-Type Structural Components

We consider free vibration of an elastic cantilever beam with a closing edge crack. The crack is simulated by an elastic pivot whose compliance is taken to be finite and is determined from the energy equivalence criterion. An algorithm has been constructed for sequential calculation of the beam vibration modes for each beam vibration cycle, whereas the number of cycles is limited. It is demonstrated that the beam vibration modes other than the initially preset one are induced during the crack opening and closing. The distinct features of such modes have been studied. We have analyzed the sensitivity of the vibration-damage characteristics which are determined from the assessment of nonlinear distortions of the displacement, acceleration, and strain waveform of the cross sections of the beam with a closing crack.     

On Sliding Crack Model for Brittle Solids

Several 2-D sliding crack models are compared with each other and with finite element analysis done under the assumption that the wing cracks are straight.     

Fatigue Life Estimation of Structural Components Using Macrofibre Composite Sensors

Abstract: Recently, a number of different structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques have been developed for the online inspection of air, land and sea engineering structures. Various smart materials are employed for detecting eminent damage in situ. Fatigue cracks in structural components are the most common cause of structural failure when exposed to fatigue loading. Fatigue design of structural components is typically accomplished either using a set of stress cycle (S‐N) data obtained from prior fatigue tests or using the fracture mechanics approach. The fracture mechanics approach considers the fatigue life of structures as a summation of crack initiation life and crack propagation life. The stress intensity factor (SIF) is required for the estimation of fatigue crack propagation life from the linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) perspective. However, the accurate prediction of the SIF is difficult especially when the geometry or the boundary conditions of a structure becomes complex. In this study, a SHM application of macrofibre composite (MFC) sensors is presented. A set of MFC sensors is used for the real‐time measurement of the SIF. The measured values of the SIF are later used for the prediction of the crack propagation life. The impedance‐based SHM technique using the same set of MFC sensors is employed for the detection of crack initiation life.     

Fracture Analysis of Concrete Structural Components Accounting for Tension Softening Effect

This paper presents methodologies for fracture analysis of concrete structural components with and without considering tension softening effect. Stress intensity factor (SIF) is computed by using analytical approach and finite element analysis. In the analytical approach, SIF accounting for tension softening effect has been obtained as the difference of SIF obtained using linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) principles and SIF due to closing pressure. Superposition principle has been used by accounting for non-linearity in incremental form. SIF due to crack closing force applied on the effective crack face inside the process zone has been computed using Green's function approach. In finite element analysis, the domain integral method has been used for computation of SIF. The domain integral method is used to calculate the strain energy release rate and SIF when a crack grows. Numerical studies have been conducted on notched 3-point bending concrete specimen with and without considering the cohesive stresses. It is observed from the studies that SIF obtained from the finite element analysis with and without considering the cohesive stresses is in good agreement with the corresponding analytical value. The effect of cohesive stress on SIF decreases with increase of crack length. Further, studies have been conducted on geometrically similar structures and observed that (i) the effect of cohesive stress on SIF is significant with increase of load for a particular crack length and (iii) SIF values decreases with increase of tensile strength for a particular crack length and load.     

On the calculation of derivatives of stress intensity factors for multiple cracks

In this paper, the work of Lin and Abel [Lin SC, Abel JF. Variational approach for a new direct-integration form of the virtual crack extension method. Int J Fract 1988;38:217-35] is further extended to the general case of multiple crack systems under mixed-mode loading. Analytical expressions are presented for stress intensity factors and their derivatives for a multiply cracked body using the mode decomposition technique. The salient feature of this method is that the stress intensity factors and their derivatives for the multiple crack system are computed in a single analysis. It is shown through two-dimensional numerical examples that the proposed method gives very accurate results for the stress intensity factors and their derivatives. It is also shown that the variation of mode I and II displacements at one crack-tip influence the mode I and II stress intensity factors at any other crack. The computed errors were about 0.4-3% for stress intensity factors, and 2-4% for their first order derivatives for the mesh density used in the examples.     

Total Fatigue Life Estimation of Notched Structural Components Using Low‐Cycle Fatigue Properties

Abstract: In this investigation, an efficient fatigue life computation method under variable amplitude loading of structural components has been proposed. Attention in this study is focused on total fatigue life estimation of aircraft structural components. Flat specimens with central hole made of quenched and tempered steel 13H11N2V2MF were tested as representatives of different structural components. Total fatigue life of these specimens, defined as sum of fatigue crack initiation and crack growth life, was experimentally determined. Specimens were tested by blocks of positive variable amplitude loading. Crack initiation life was computed using theory of low‐cycle fatigue (LCF) properties. Cyclic stress–strain curve, Masing’s curve and approximate Sonsino’s curve were used for determining stress–strain response at critical point of considered specimens. Computation of crack initiation life was realised using Palmgren–Miner’s linear rule of damage accumulation, applied on Morrow’s curves of LCF properties. Crack growth life was predicted using strain energy density method. In this method, the same LCF properties were used for crack initiation life and for crack growth life computations also. Computation results are compared with own experimentally obtained results.     

Stress Intensity Factors for an Interface Kinked Crack in a Bi-Material Plate Loaded Normal to the Interface

Stress intensity factors for a kinked crack originating at interface of two bonded dissimilar materials subjected to normal tension are found by the finite element method.     

基于模态应变能耗散率理论的结构损伤识别方法

本提出了基于模态应变能耗散率理论的一种新的结构损伤识别方法。表示结构损伤的损伤变量的概念来自于材料领域，并推广到了构件和结构；在此基础上，结构单元的损伤变量是通过建立模态应变能耗散率和相应的结构损伤前后的应变能变化的关系而获得。该方法所要求的结构损伤前后的振型模态可以是不完备的。对测量噪声的影响具有较强的鲁棒性。最后，通过数值算例的分析结果说明，该方法简便、有效，可定位结构的损伤和识别损伤的程度。     

The Effect of Micro Damage on Time-Dependent Crack Growth in a Composite Solid Propellant

The damage characteristics near the crack tip and crack growth behaviorin a centrally cracked sheet specimen of a solid propellant wereinvestigated. The specimen was subjected to a constant crosshead speed of0.508 mm/min at room temperature. The effects of local damage andfracture process near the crack tip on crack growth behavior wereinvestigated and results are discussed.     

On contact zone models for an electrically impermeable interface crack in a piezoelectric bimaterial

An electrically impermeable interface crack between two semi-infinite piezoelectric planes under remote mechanical tension-shear and electrical loading is studied. Assuming the stresses, strains and displacements are independent on the coordinate x ₂ the expressions for the elastic displacement and potential jumps as well as for the stresses and electrical displacement along the interface via a sectionally holomorphic vector function are found. Introducing an artificial contact zone at the right crack tip and assuming the materials possess the symmetry class 6 mm the problem is reduced for a wide range of bimaterial compounds to a combination of combined Dirichlet–Riemann and Hilbert boundary value problems which are solved analytically. From these solutions clear analytical expressions for characteristic mechanical and electrical parameters are derived. As particular cases of the above mentioned solution the classical (oscillating) and contact zone solutions are obtained. Further, a comparison with an associated solution for an electrically permeable crack has been performed. The fracture mechanical parameters for all models via the remote loads are found analytically and important relationships between these parameters are obtained. Due to these relationships an important algorithm of a numerical method applicable for the investigation of an interface crack in a finite sized piezoelectric bimaterial is suggested.     

ANN Model to Predict Fracture Characteristics of High Strength and Ultra High Strength Concrete Beams

This paper presents fracture mechanics based Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to predict the fracture characteristics of high strength and ultra high strength concrete beams. Fracture characteristics include fracture energy (Gf), critical stress intensity factor (KIC) and critical crack tip opening displacement (CTODc). Failure load of the beam (Pmax) is also predicated by using ANN model. Characterization of mix and testing of beams of high strength and ultra strength concrete have been described. Methodologies for evaluation of fracture energy, critical stress intensity factor and critical crack tip opening displacement have been outlined. Back-propagation training technique has been employed for updating the weights of each layer based on the error in the network output. Levenberg- Marquardt algorithm has been used for feed-forward back-propagation. Four ANN models have been developed by using MATLAB software for training and prediction of fracture parameters and failure load. ANN has been trained with about 70% of the total 87 data sets and tested with about 30% of the total data sets. It is observed from the studies that the predicted values of Pmax, Gf, failure load, KIc and CTODc are in good agreement with those of the experimental values.     

Kinking of an interface crack in an orthotropic bimaterial

We investigated the asymptotic problem of a kinked interface crack in an orthotropic bimaterial under in‐plane loading conditions. The stress intensity factors at the tip of the kinked interface crack are described in terms of the stress intensity factors of the interface crack prior to the kink combined with a dimensionless matrix function. Using a modified Stroh formalism and an orthotropy rescaling technique, the matrix function was obtained from the solutions of the corresponding problem in transformed bimaterial. The effects of orthotropic and bimaterial parameters on the matrix function were examined. A reduction in the number of dependent material parameters on the matrix function was made using the modified Stroh formalism. Moreover, the explicit dependence of one orthotropic parameter on the matrix function was determined using an orthotropic rescaling technique. The effects of the other material parameters on the matrix function were numerically examined. The energy release rate was obtained for a kinked interface crack in an orthotropic bimaterial.     

Automated Installation for the Determination of the Elastic and Inelastic Characteristics of Metals and Alloys

We propose a method and an automated installation aimed at the determination of the temperature dependences of the characteristics of elasticity and internal friction of metallic materials. In the course of the tests, the results of measurements of the temperature of the specimen, its resonance frequency, and the amplitude of vibrations at a given temperature are recorded in a computer. The moduli of elasticity and the characteristics of internal friction of the metal are computed at each given temperature by using the proposed relations. By analyzing the results of testing 012Kh18N10T steel, it is shown that the proposed method gives unusual results.     

减振材料位置对微电机金属电刷振动影响研究

为了提高微电机寿命和使用效率,对微电机中的金属电刷片位置阻尼效果进行研究。建立Rayleigh阻尼模型与材料损耗因子的关系。采用MSC.Marc有限元分析软件中的瞬态动力学模块,对橡胶材料在电刷片上的位置进行仿真优化设计。利用Polytec 激光扫描振动仪分别对橡胶在原位置与优化后的位置电刷片的振动量进行无接触振动测量,结果显示优化后,在3倍频处的振动幅值正转（CW）减少可以达到12.1 %,反转（CCW）减少可以达到11.2 %。证明该优化设计法能有效地改进电刷片的振动性能,对工程实践具有一定的参考价值。     

Elastodynamic stress intensity factors for a semi-infinite crack due to three-dimensional concentrated shear loadings on the crack faces

The dynamic stress intensity factors for a semi-infinite crack in an otherwise unbounded elastic body is investigated. The crack is subjected to a pair of suddenly-applied shear point loads on its faces at a distance l away from the crack tip. This problem is treated as the superposition of two problems. The first problem considers the disturbance by a concentrated shear force acting on the surface of an elastic half space, while the second problem discusses a half space with its surface subjected to the negative of the tangential surface displacements induced by the first problem in the front of the crack edge. A fundamental problem is proposed and solved by means of integral transforms together with the application of the Wiener–Hopf technique and Cagniard–de Hoop method. Exact expressions are then derived for the mode II and III dynamic stress intensity factors by taking integration over the fundamental solution. Some features of the solutions are discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

涡轮盘篦齿裂纹扩展的有限元数值模拟

为了详细考察篦齿裂纹的扩展规律,对篦齿裂纹从齿尖一直扩展到即将完全穿透篦齿环的过程进行了数值模拟.含篦齿裂纹的涡轮盘有限元模型采用子模型法建立,使用M积分计算裂纹前沿的应力强度因子;在确定篦齿裂纹前沿每一节点处的局部扩展方向及距离后,通过样条曲线拟合出新裂纹前沿,并依靠自适应网格划分实现裂纹区有限元网格的更新.数值模拟结果表明,篦齿根部过渡圆角顶部可以视为裂纹缓慢扩展阶段与快速扩展阶段的分界点,在此之前篦齿裂纹以穿透型裂纹的形态以较低的速度进行扩展,在此之后篦齿裂纹开始向表面裂纹进行转化,并且平均扩展速度大大增加,分界点前的裂纹扩展寿命是之后的数倍.此外,由数值模拟结果还可以发现,增大篦齿根部过渡圆角半径以及减小相邻篦齿的间距,均有助于延缓篦齿裂纹的扩展.     

Stress intensity factor solution for a semi-elliptical crack in an arbitrarily distributed stress field

An equation for the stress intensity factor (SIF) for semi-elliptical crack has been developed. It is based on the Newman-Raju's solution for the crack in a plate under bending or tension. The equation can be applied when a stress distribution is described by a power function. Using the approach outlined, the SIF for a surface crack in a T-butt welded connection has been estimated. The results obtained can be used in a fracture-mechanics-based fatigue analysis.     

On the Mode I stress intensity factor for an external circular crack with fibre bridging

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of an external matrix crack located in a unidirectional fibre-reinforced elastic solid modelled as a transversely isotropic material. The presence of matrix cracking with fibre continuity introduces bridging action that has an influence on the stress intensity factors at the crack tip of the external crack. This paper presents a model for the bridged crack, where the fibre ligaments induce a constant displacement-dependent traction constraint over the external crack. This gives rise to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind, which can be solved in an approximate fashion. We examine the specific problem where the bridged external circular crack is loaded by a doublet of concentrated forces. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the influence of the fibre–matrix modular ratio and the location of the loading on the bridged-crack opening mode stress intensity factor.     

A relative crack opening time correlation for corrosion fatigue crack growth in offshore structures

A considerable amount of research has been carried out on the prediction of mean stress effects on fatigue crack growth in structures. Newer types of structure are now being developed for use in highly dynamic, harsh marine environments, particularly for renewable energy applications. Therefore, the extent to which mean stresses can enhance corrosion‐assisted fatigue damage in these structures needs to be better understood. A new theoretical model that accounts for mean stress effects on corrosion fatigue crack growth is proposed. The model is developed based on the relative crack opening period per fatigue cycle and by considering only the damaging portion of the stress cycle. The baseline data for the modelling exercise are the data obtained at a stress ratio of 0.1 in air and seawater tests conducted on compact tension specimens. The model is validated by comparison with experimental data and with other fatigue crack propagation models. The proposed model correlates fairly well with experimental data and the other models examined.