Mixed-Mode Crack Propagation in Cruciform Joint using Franc2D

The focus of this research was on determining the cracking behavior when parameter such as the biaxiality ratio was varied. The crack propagation under mixed-mode loading was simulated by means of finite element method. The stress intensity factors have been calculated by the linear elastic fracture mechanics approach using fracture analysis code-2D (Franc2D). The crack growth under opening mode-I was considered because the crack growth occurs mainly along the direction where the mode-I stress component becomes the maximum. The numerical integration of Paris’ equation was carried out. The effect of normal and transverse applied load (σ x, and σ y, respectively) on crack propagation was presented. It was found that the fatigue crack growth was faster at a smaller biaxial stress ratio (λ), i.e., higher σ y on the horizontal crack plan. Moreover, fatigue strength values decrease as λ decreases. The results confirm the use of fracture mechanics approach in biaxial fracture.