On the use of vector J-integral in crack growth criteria for brittle solids

Journal article

In this paper the criterion for crack-growth in solids is investigated on the basis of the concept of potential energy release rate. The expressions for path-independent vector integral Ji (i = 1, 2) are derived for brittle crack growth. The relationship is then established between the value of the path-independent vector integral Ji and the potential energy release rate for crack growth in an arbitrary orientation. This allows the prediction of crack re-orientation angles on the basis of the maximum energy release rate (MERR) criterion. The crack growth angle is determined analytically as a function of Ji (i = 1, 2). This result is compared with other theoretical formulations of crack growth criteria, as well as with experimental results reported in the literature, and good agreement is found. The formulation provides a rigorous basis for numerical modelling of the processes of crack initiation and propagation. © Springer 2005.

Authors: Ma, L; Korsunsky, A

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FRACTURE
• Volume: 133
• Issue: 4
• Pages: L39-L46
• Publication date: 2005-06-01
• DOI: 10.1007/s10704-005-0631-5
• EISSN: 1573-2673
• ISSN: 0376-9429
• Language: English
• Keywords: stress intensity factors; vector J-integral; crack-growth; maximum energy release rate