Fatigue analysis of brittle materials using indentation flaws

A two-part study has been made of the fatigue characteristics of brittle solids using controlled indentation flaws. In this part a general theory is developed, with explicit consideration being given to the role played by residual contact stresses in the fracture mechanics to failure. The distinctive feature of the formulation is a stress intensity factor for well-defined indentation cracks, suitably modified to incorporate the residual component. Taken in conjunction with a standard power-law crack velocity function, this leads to a differential equation for the dynamic fatigue response of a given material/ environment system. Reduced variables are then introduced to facilitate generation of universal fatigue curves, determined uniquely by the crack velocity exponent,n. A scheme for using these curves to evaluate basic fracture parameters from strength data is outlined. In this way the foundation is laid for lifetime predictions of prospective brittle components, as well as for reconstruction of the crack velocity function. One of the major advantages of the analysis is the manner in which the residual stress parameters are accommodated in the normalized fracture mechanics equations: whereas it is understood thatall strength data are to be taken from test pieces in their as-indented state, so making it unnecessary to have to resort to inconvenient stress-removal procedures between the contact and failure stages of testing,a priori knowledge of the residual stress level is not required. The method is proposed as an economical route to materials evaluation and offers physical insight into the behaviour of natural flaws.