Mixed-Mode Fracture Analysis Based on Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics

Abstract

Structures or bodies often experience complex loads, such as plane stress and in-plane and out-of-plane shear stresses. The resistance to crack propagation in fracture toughness studies is often analyzed by assuming that cracks occur in Mode I fracture mechanics. Mixed-mode fractures are frequently the result of complex loading conditions, which have been studied in great detail utilizing a variety of combinations, including mixed mode I/II, mixed mode II/III, mixed mode I/III, and mixed mode I/II/III. From the initial crack, the mixed-mode load produces a complex crack that tilts and twists, resulting in a complex fracture surface. Due to the fairly complex loading situation, the fracture mechanics of the material is no longer on single-mode fractures but focuses more on various mixed-mode fractures.