Finite element analyses of stable crack growh in thin sheet material

This study deals with fracture mechanics aspects of mode 1 crack growth under montonically increasing (quasi-static) loads. Using the finite element method stable crack growth and the plastic deformation fields associated with this process are analyzed. A two parameter approach is proposed for a description of initiation and subsequent stable...

Application of fracture mechanics in designing built-up sheet structures

Past experience has shown that during the operational life of an aircraft structure cracks or failures may arise in different structural components. In future designs the designer must be able on the one hand to restrict the occurrence of cracks by a careful detail design and on the other hand to guarantee some specified life of the aircraft if...

Rate effects on residual strength of flawed structures and materials

The literature is reviewed with respect to: - tests conducted to investigate crack re-initiation under dynamic load and arrest of a running crack - metallurgical sources of rate effects - available data for aerospace engineering materials - mechanical sources of rate effects, i.e. dynamic crack tip stresses and kinetic energy effects Conclusions...