Effects of side-groove depth on creep crack-tip constraint and creep crack growth rate in C(T) specimens

摘要

The effects of side-groove depth on creep crack-tip constraint and creep crack growth (CCG) rate in C(T) specimens have been quantitatively studied. The results indicate that with increasing side-groove depth, the constraint level and CCG rate increase and constraint distribution along crack front (specimen thickness) becomes more uniform. The constraint and CCG rate of thinner specimen are more sensitive to side-groove depth. Two new creep constraint parameters (namely R~* and A_c) both can quantify constraint levels of the specimens with and without side-grooves, and the quantitative correlations of CCG rate with constraint have been established. The mechanism of the side-groove depth effect on the CCG rate has also been analyzed.