Numerical investigation on stable crack growth in plane stress

Large deformation finite element analysis has been carried out to investigate the stress-strain fields ahead of a growing crack for compact tension (a/W=0.5) and three-point bend (a/W=0.1 and 0.5) specimens under plane stress condition. The crack growth is controlled by the experimental J-integral resistance curves measured by Sun et al. The results indicate that the distributions of opening stress, equivalent stress and equivalent strain ahead of a growing crack are not sensitive to specimen geometry. For both stationary and growing cracks, similar distributions of opening stress and triaxiality can be found along the ligament. During stable crack growth, the crack- tip opening displacement (CTOD) resistance curve and the cohesive fracture energy in the fracture process zone are independent of specimen geometry and may be suitable criteria for characterizing stable crack growth in plane stress. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.