Some Considerations on Short Crack Growth Behaviour in Aircraft Structures

Abstract : The two papers included in this Report were presented at the 52nd Meetings of the Structures and Materials Panel as the first stage of a study of the problems encountered in predicting the behaviour of short cracks. The fracture mechanics approach is being used for fatigue life assessment and durability evaluation to aircraft structures. Conventional crack growth prediction methods applied to smaller crack length ranges have met limited success so far. Short cracks may grow somewhat faster than expected by predictions using fracture mechanics data obtained from long crack specimens. The behaviour of short cracks obviously is affected by some analysis and additional secondary loading effects not normally accounted for in this stress intensity determination but having likely effects in short crack growth. This Report was sponsored by the Structures and materials Panel of AGARD. (Author)