On the Relationship Between J-Integral and Crack Tip Opening Displacement in Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics

摘要

The relationship between J-integral (J) and crack tip opening displacement (δ), considered fundamental for elastic-plastic fracture mechanics, can be established based on prior knowledge of the constraint factor m, which depends on the work hardening exponent and the material's yield strain. Both J and δ were simultaneously determined at fracture initiation and at different points along the resistance curves for a number of structural steels. The corresponding m values were calculated and then compared with the predictions made by different models. The results indicate that the experimentally determined m values are in fair agreement with the predictions made by ASTM over the whole range of flow parameters considered in this study. The Hutchinson-Rice-Rosengren singularity-based predictions result in overestimating m for steels considered to be of low strength and high strain hardening exponent. Predictions made by other models are predominantly higher in comparison with their experimental counterparts.