3D finite element analysis on crack-tip plastic zone

Abstract

This paper presents an effect of specimen thickness on crack-tip plastic zone shape and size. The shape of the plastic zone is estimated in 3D with the help of elastic and elastic-plastic finite element analyses. The results indicate that the shape of plastic zone does not correspond to classical “dog-bone shape” and the maximum plastic zone size occurs beneath the free surface, contrary to conventional shape. It is observed that for specimens with B/W=0.5, the ASTM requirement of specimen thickness to estimate KIC, the plastic zone shape and size is much larger than the one obtained in 2D plane strain analysis. The results also show a significant change in the shape and size of plastic zone in elastic and elastic plastic conditions.

International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, Vol. 2, No. 6, 2010, pp. 47-58