NEAR-TIP FIELDS OF MODE III STEADY-STATE CRACK PROPAGATION IN ELASTIC-PLASTIC STRAIN GRADIENT SOLIDS

摘要

The mode III asymptotic fields near a steadily propagating crack tip are investigated by employing the flow-theory version of the couple-stress strain gradient plasticity. Compared to classical plasticity results, an increase of the stress singularity is observed, also for small hardening. The performed asymptotic analysis can provide useful predictions about the increase of the traction level ahead of the crack tip due to the strain gradient effects, which have been found relevant and non negligible at the micron scale.