Crack-Extension Force for a Part-Through Crack in a Plate

Abstract

The crack stress-field parameter K and crack-extension force G at boundary points of a flat elliptical crack may be derived from knowledge that normal tension produces an ellipsoidal crack opening. Rough correction procedures can be employed to adapt this result for application to a part-through crack in a plate subjected to tension. Experimental measurements suggest this adapted result has a useful range of accuracy.