Crack propagation in rectangular thin‐walled plates with concentrators subected to cycling loading

Abstract

The paper presents the results of experimental investigations of the crack propagation process in thin‐walled elements made from optically active materials (polycarbonate), making the visualization of the field possible isochromatics at the front of the crack. Influence of the orientation of principal directions was analyses An experimental investigation of thin‐walled plate with circular and rectangular cutouts subjected to cycling shear loading was made. Using the photo‐stress method, propagation of the crack and the field of isochromatics were recorded over time. In parallel, the areas of initiation of fatigue fractures were identified. The results presented in the paper constitute a fragment of a larger process of investigation of thin‐walled structures at the stress pattern in conditions of fatigue crack propagation to failure.

First Published Online: 14 Oct 2010

Keyword : fracture mechanics, crack propagation, fatigue, photo- stress, numerical analysis