Crack propagation in isotropic materials

This thesis presents a numerical study of crack propagation in brittle materials. The finite element method using constant strain triangular elements was used. The experimental investigation is based on Gurney and Hunt's quasi-static method of fracture testing.<br/><br/>The applicability of the finite element method of analysis to problems of fracture mechanics is demonstrated for the simple cases where a theoretical solution is obtainable. The comparison of both solutions gives good agreement.<br/><br/>The effect of test specimen geometry and the effect of halting the crack tip on one side of a symmetrical specimen on stability and the shape of P,u curve is investigated. Numerical P,u curves are produced and compared with those obtained experiment­ ally. A good correlation of results may be seen.<br/><br/>The possibility of using an O-section as a fracture toughness specimen is discussed.<br/><br/>Determination of the crack path using dV/da energy criterion is shown and the results are verified by experiments using the brittle lacquer technique.<br/><br/>Possible future work is discussed in the last chapter.<br/>

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctoral Thesis

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Student thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Glamorgan Polytechnic

Year dc:date.issued

1973

Author dc:creator

• Coughlan, Jarmila

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/81a04d5c-462f-4032-a7cd-f8bd8dd06477

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/81a04d5c-462f-4032-a7cd-f8bd8dd06477