Fracture Mechanics: Part Three

LEFM Assumptions

Linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) is based on the application of the theory of elasticity to bodies containing cracks or defects. The assumptions used in elasticity are also inherent in the theory of LEFM: small displacements and general linearity between stresses and strains.

In the general form of the LEFM equations a singularity exists such that as r, the distance from the crack tip, tends toward zero, the stresses go to infinity. Since materials plastically deform as the yield stress is exceeded, a plastic zone will form near the crack tip.

The basis of LEFM remains valid, though, if this region of plasticity remains small in relation to the overall dimensions of the crack and cracked body.

Loading Modes

There are generally three modes of loading, which involve different crack surface displacements (see Fig. 3). The three modes are:

The following discussion deals with Mode 1 since this is the predominant loading mode in most engineering applications. Similar treatments can readily be extended to Modes 2 and 3.

Figure 3. Three loading modes

Stress Intensity Factor

The stress intensity factor, K, which was introduced in Eq. 1, defines the magnitude of the local stresses around the crack tip. This factor depends on loading, crack size, crack shape, and geometric boundaries, with the general form given by

(2)

where:

s = remote stress applied to component (not to be confused with the local stresses, s_ij, in Eq. 1)
a = crack length
f (a/w) = correction factor that depends on specimen and crack geometry

Figure 4 gives the stress intensity relationships for a few of the more common loading conditions. Stress intensity factors for a single loading mode can be added algebraically. Consequently, stress intensity factors for complex loading conditions of the same mode can be determined from the superposition of simpler results, such as those readily obtainable from handbooks.