The Mechanics of the Interface Crack Using the Finite Element Method

Abstract

The interface crack between two dissimilar materials subjected to a tension load was analyzed using the finite element method in order to study the “open” and “closed” crack tip formulations of this problem. It was shown that these two formulations can be modelled by the absence or presence of interface elements along the crack faces with a very fine mesh. The fracture parameters (k and G) were calculated using crack flank displacements and extrapolation of the interfacial stresses to the crack tip. It was shown that even if the mesh is not fine enough to detect crack closing, the fracture parameters can be determined with a reasonable accuracy.