COMPUTATIONAL CONTOUR OF MIXED MODE CRACK-TIP PLASTIC ZONE FOR ALUMINUM ALLOY 2024T351

Abstract

The studies on mixed mode crack-tip plastic zones are one of the fundamental importance in describing the process of failure and in evaluation of the material life. The approach is also applied to predict crack initiation under mixed mode loading. The objective of this work is to study the contour of mixed mode crack-tip plastic zones, the minimum plastic zone radius (MPZR) and the direction of initial crack for aluminum alloy 2024T351 in Compact tension specimen by using Matlab software. This paper computed the shape, size of plastic zone at crack-tip and the minimum plastic zone radius with reference to the loading angle and stress intensity factor in linear elastic fracture mechanics regime for plane strain condition according to Von Mises yield criteria, the study is conducted for various loading angle. We found that the mixed mode loading (β = 60°) can lead to material fracture earlier than any mode loading.