Three-dimensional finite element analysis of a crack normal to and terminating at a bi-material interface

The objective of the present work is to investigate the interaction between interfaces and cracks normal to and terminating at a metal/alumina interface. The behavior is analyzed by the determination of the J integral and the plastic zone at the crack tip using the three-dimensional finite element methods. The effects of the thickness of the metal/alumina were highlighted. The obtained results allow us to deduce mathematical relations, giving the variation of the J integral and the plastic zone as a function of the crack position and the bi-materials thickness.