Plastic Zone Coalescence and Edge Break Conditions of Internal Cracks in a Semi-infinite Sheet

Abstract

The problem of two cracks in a semi-infinite sheet is analyzed. The critical conditions when adjacent plastic zones just coalesced are obtained. Also, the conditions when a plastic zone just reached the sheet edge are obtained. Assuming the crack and plastic zones as a fictitious crack, the integral equations are formulated in terms of surface traction, nonsingular stress, and zero crack face displacement at the coalescent point or at the sheet edge. By solving the equations, critical remote stress, plastic zone sizes, and crack tip opening displacements are obtained. Numerical results are presented.