CRACK BRANCHING IN HOMALITE-100 SHEETS

Crack branching in Homalite-100 sheets of 1/8-inch and 3/8-inch thickness was studied by using dynamic photoelasticity. Dynamic stress intensity factors, crack velocities and branching angles were measured. Corresponding static stress intensity factors were determined by the method of finite element analysis. Dynamic stress intensity factors reached a peak value at branching with a value of three times larger than the fracture toughness of the material and preceded the actual branching. The dynamic stress intensity factor after branching drops and then increases again to the maximum stress intensity at which point branching occurs again. Roughness of the fracture surface can be related to a dynamic stress intensity factor and crack velocities near the branching stress intensity factors and terminal crack velocities, respectively. Average branching angle was 26 degrees.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Washington, Seattle

  Department of Mechanical Engineering
  Seattle, WA  United States  98105
• Authors:
  • Kobayashi, A S
  • Wade, B G
  • Bradley, W B
  • Chiu, S T
• Publication Date: 1972-6

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 27 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cracking; Finite element method; Fracture mechanics; Photoelasticity; Stresses
• Uncontrolled Terms: Crack propagation; Stress intensity factors
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00034520
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Ship Structure Committee
• Report/Paper Numbers: NR 064 478
• Contract Numbers: N00014-67-A-01030018
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 27 1973 12:00AM