We report a novel mode of quasi-static oscillatory crack propagation when a cutting tool is driven through a thin polymer film [6,7]. In our experiments, for tools with a large enough width, the crack tip follows a highly periodic path, leaving behind a striking oscillatory pattern. Taking into account the separation of the film's bending and stretching energies and using classical fracture the...

We discuss a model for crack propagation in an elastic body, where the crack path is described a-priori. In particular, we develop in the framework of finitestrain elasticity a rate-independent model for crack evolution which is based on the Griffith fracture criterion. Due to the nonuniqueness of minimizing deformations, the energy-release rate is no longer continuous with respect to time and ...

In this paper, edge crack problems under mechanical loads have been analysed using extended finite element method (XFEM) as it has proved to be a competent method for handling problems with discontinuities. The XFEM provides a versatile technique to model discontinuities in the solution domain without re-meshing or conformal mesh. The stress intensity factors (SIF) have been calculated by domai...

The mode II initiation fracture toughness of wood was measured by the three-point bend endnotched flexure (3ENF) test for various crack lengths, and the dependence of toughness on the crack length was analyzed by the four conventional methods of data reduction : elementary beam theory, Williams end correction method, and two compliance calibration methods. In addition to these methods, the comp...

The objective of this paper is to present a procedure based on moving (or shifting) isoparametric elements for the analysis of dynamic crack propagation. The fracture parameters, such as the stress intensity factors or energy release rates for dynamically propagating cracks, are evaluated by far-field path-independent integrals that were recently derived by the authors. The combined use of the ...

This research project deals with nonlinear evolution problems that arise in the study of the inelastic behaviour of solids, in particular in plasticity and fracture. The project will focus on selected problems, grouped into three main topics, namely: 1. Plasticity with hardening and softening, 2. Quasistatic crack growth, 3. Dynamic fracture mechanics. The analysis of the models of these mechan...

Existence of cracks in industrial structures is one of the important causes of their failure, especially when they are subjected to important axial compressive forces that might lead to buckling. Therefore, it must be considered in stress analysis and designing and loading of such structures. In this paper, the buckling and post-buckling behaviors of stainless-steel cracked plates under axial c...

In the current study, the effect of such parameters as the length, position and angle of crack on free vibrations of a cracked plate was examined by finite element method. The assumed crack was internal and through and its growth was ignored. In the proposed finite element model, crack was considered as a discontinuity on the plate surface and the results were compared with the results of other...

In this article, the crack growth driving force and the resistance to cleavage cracking associated with crack front transmission across a high-angle grain boundary in a silicon thin film are analyzed, and a closed-form solution of grain boundary toughness is obtained. It is noticed that the fracture resistance of the grain boundary is a function of the film thickness. This size effect is attrib...