Original paper(Vol.51 No.6 pp.659)

The Extension Behavior of Parallel Cracks Based on the Energy Release Rate Criterion

Takahiro ABE, Chikayoshi YATOMI, Ken-ichi HASHIMOTO and Syouji YAMAMOTO

Abstract:In this paper, we examine the crack extension behavior for a linearelastic body with two parallel cracks. Assuming the isotropy of fracture toughness of the body and judging from the criterion based on the energy release rate, we study the influences of the difference of crack length, the relative position of cracks and the load angle on crack extension behavior. The energy release rate is computed for all the extending crack tips at the onset of crack kinking by using the E-integral which is path independent even for a path containing a kinking crack tip and stationary crack tips.

Key Words:Crack extension, Energy release rate, E-integral, Crack interaction, Parallel cracks, Plane stress, FEM