Analytical solutions for crack opening displacements of eccentric cracks in thin-walled metallic plates

In the context of the prevalence of thin-walled metallic aerospace structures, the added resistance to crack propagation offered by a built-up structure is desirable from a damage tolerance standpoint. The analysis of failure in such structures, however, is limited by the lack of crack opening solutions. This paper develops analytical models...

Analytical prediction model for non-symmetric fatigue crack growth in Fibre Metal Laminates

This paper proposes an analytical model for predicting the non-symmetric crack growth and accompanying delamination growth in FMLs. The general approach of this model applies Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics, the principle of superposition, and displacement compatibility based on the understanding of deformation behaviour in eccentrically...

The influence of testing parameters on stress corrosion crack growth in the high strength aluminium alloy 7010-T651

An interlaboratory testing programme to evaluate the rising displacement test for stress corrosion crack (SCO growth investigations was carried out within the framework of the "Measurements and Testing" programme of the European Community under BCR contract nr. MATI CT 930038. The contribution of the NLR to the project consisted of testing of...

The influence of starter notches on flight simulation fatigue crack growth

An investigation was made of the effect of starter notch geometry on flight simulation fatigue crack growth in three damage tolerant aluminium sheet alloys, 2024-T3, 2091-T84 and 8090-T81. Changing the starter notch geometry resulted in significant differences in initial nonstabilized fatigue crack growth behaviour. However, there was only a...

A stripyield model including effects of hold periods at constant load

Utilising the NLR Stripyield cycle-by-cycle fatigue crack growth model a basic description of the time dependent effects associated with periods of constant load level has been added to model Fatigue-Creep interactions. An outline of the basic Creep model is given along with flow diagrams of the sub programs added to the Stripyield model. Other...

Effect of cooling rate on interlaminar fracture energy and shear strength of APC-2 laminates

The effect of cooling rate on some mechanical properties of APC-2/AS4 composite was investigated over the range between 1 and 70° C/min. Preconsolidated unidirectional laminates were reprocessed in a hot platen press at controlled cooling rates. Double Cantilever Beam specimens and End Notch Flexure specimens were used to determine the mode I...

The thickness effect in plane stress fracture toughness

Residual strength tests were carried out on center cracked aluminium alloy panels of various thicknesses. Slow crack growth, crack opening displacements and compliances were recorded. In addition to the test data, the report presents discussions on the residual strength "behaviour, the thickness effect, R-curves and COD and compliance measurements