A new criterion for the prediction of crack development in multiaxially loaded structures

摘要

In many cases the lifetime of technical structures and components is depending on the behaviour of cracks. Due to the complex geometry and loading situation in real-world structures cracks are often subjected to a superposition of normal, in-plane and out-of-plane loading. In this paper a new criterion for 3D crack growth under multiaxial loading, that means superposition of the fracture modes Mode I, II and III, is described. The criterion allows the prediction of three-dimensional crack surfaces advancing from arbitrary 3D crack fronts with the help of the two deflection angles psi_0 and psi_0. The underlying theory for the development of this new criterion is described in detail.