Numerical and Experimental Analysis of The Directional Stability On Crack Propagation Under Biaxial Stresses

7th International Conference on Modern Practice in Stress and Vibration Analysis
IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 181 (2009) 012061
doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
Numerical and experimental analysis of the directional

stability on crack propagation under biaxial stresses
Rodrguez-Martnez, R.1, Urriolagoitia-Caldern, G. 1, Urriolagoitia-Sosa, G.1,
Hernndez-Gmez, L. H.1, Merchn-Cruz, E. A.2, Rodrguez-Caizo, R. G.2,
Sandoval-Pineda, J. M.2
1
INSTITUTO POLITCNICO NACIONAL Seccin de Estudios de Posgrado e

Investigacin (SEPI), Escuela Superior de Ingeniera Mecnica y Elctrica (ESIME),
Edificio 5. 2do Piso, Unidad Profesional Adolfo Lpez Mateos Zacatenco Col.
Lindavista, C.P. 07738, Mxico, D.F. Mxico.
INSTITUTO POLITCNICO NACIONAL Seccin de Estudios de Posgrado e

Investigacin (SEPI), Escuela Superior de Ingeniera Mecnica y Elctrica (ESIME).
Unidad profesional, AZCAPOTZALCO, Av. de las Granjas No. 682, Col. Sta.
Catarina Azcapotzalco, C.P. 02550, Mxico D.F. Mxico.
rrodriguezm@ipn.mx, urrio332@hotmail.com, guiurri@hotmail.com.,

luishector56@hotmail.com, eamerchan@gmail.com, ricname@hotmail.com,
jsandovalp@ipn.mx
Abstract. In this paper, the case of Single Edge Notch (SEN) specimens subject to
opening/compressive loading was analyzed; The loads are applied in several ratios to evaluate
the influence of the specimen geometry, and the Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) K1 values on the
directional stability of crack propagation. The main purpose of this work is to evaluate the
behaviour of the fracture propagation, when modifying the geometry of the SEN specimen and
different relationships of load tensin/compressin are applied. Additionally, the precision of
the numerical and experimental analysis is evaluated to determine its reliability when solving
this type of problems. The specimens are subjected to biaxial opening/compression loading;
both results (numerical and experimental) are compared in order to evaluate the condition of
directional stability on crack propagation. Finally, an apparent transition point related to the
length of specimens was identified, in which the behaviour of values of SIF changes for
different loading ratios.
1. Introduction
Many studies of fracture mechanics [1-4] have shown how the form of the stress field at the crack tip
in Single Edge Notch Specimens (SEN), obey global conditions such as the specimen and applied
loads. Initially this statement was based on single loading, however the problem is more complicated
when mixed loading is involved.
c 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd


IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
When considering mixed loading, the crack propagation stability is an engineering problem that has
attracted great attention. Since the pioneer work of Erdogan and Sih [5], where was considered the
crack initiation direction for an angled crack which predicted to be driven under a maximum
circumferential stress criterion, since then several additional factors that are involved in the fracture
process have been found.
Several methodologies have been developed for the understanding of crack propagation under
mixed loading. For example crack extension stability was studied by Cotterell [6-7] applying
eigenfunction series expansion. Regarding crack path extension, Kipp and Sih [8] investigated the
effects caused by the applied load direction, the curvature crack radius and the complete stress (energy
field). Additionally, applications of numerical and experimental techniques have been proposed to
evaluate crack growth instability [1-3], all these work is based on SEN specimens under biaxial
loading. An approach using an energetic criterion based on S-Theory trying to understand crack
initiation and propagation in beams with edge crack under mixed loading was analyzed by Nobile [9]
and Sih [10].
From the investigations presented above, it has been proven that there are many factors involved.
To be able to evaluate these factors, it is very important then to be separated in order to establish their
individual contribution to the fracture process. There are two sets of factors that influence the fracture
process (global and local). The global conditions involve geometry, loading conditions, environment,
etc. while the local conditions involve flaws and material imperfections that developed in the
neighborhood of the crack path.
Directional stability of crack extension is highly dependent on global conditions, making the
fracture initiation to be highly stable, stable or unstable. As the loading rises, the local conditions may
show its influence [3]. So, if the fracture process is dominated by the global conditions, the path crack
growth could be predicted. However, if the local conditions dominate, the crack path could become
indeterminable. For the SEN specimens, on square geometry show a better directional stability than a
narrow one. Nevertheless, compressive and transversely applied stresses could serve as stabilizing
factors.
This work is focused on a SEN specimen subject to a mixed opening and compressive loading.
Where the loads are applied at several different ratios, from which it could be possible to evaluate the
influence of the specimen geometry on the propagation of the crack. Additionally, the precision of the
numerical and experimental analysis is evaluated and compared to determine its reliability when
solving this type of problems. Finally, an apparent transition length of specimens was also identified,
where the behaviour of SIF values changes for different loading ratios. Cases presented in this work
have practical application, like in the analysis of cracked structural components, which are subjected
to combined loads. Such are the cases presented in biomechanical analysis, for bones, arteries and
tissues that become affected by cracks.
2. Study cases
To carry out numerical-experimental analysis, seventeen photoelastic models were built with the
dimensions and the applied loads shown in table 1. The parameters L, w, a, Popen y Pcomp are
defined in figures 1 and 2.

IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
TABLE 1.
CASES OF STUDY
Geometry of plates
L (m)
0.1016
0.1143
0.1270
0.1397
0.1524
0.1651
0.1778
0.1905
0.2032
0.2159
0.2286
0.2413
0.2540
0.2667
0.2794
0.2921
0.3048
w (m)
a (m)
Case 1a
Popen
Pcomp
0.1016
0.0635
446
Loading condition (N)

Case 1b
Case 1c
Popen Pcomp
Popen
Pcomp
Case 1d
Popen
Pcomp
446
446
223
446
2230
4460
3. Numerical simulation and results

Numerical simulations of sixty eight cases (see table 1) were carried out. Different geometric
conditions with different loading ratios were considered. The compressive and opening load values
and loading ratios are presented in table 2. In table 3 are shown the mechanical properties for
policarbonate PSM-1 used in the numerical evaluation, the analysis was performed in a 2D manner
and under elastic conditions.
TABLE 2.
LOADING RELATION
Compressive
Load (N)
0
Opening
Load (N)
446
Ratio
Pcomp/Popen
0
223
2230
4460
446
446
446
0.5
5
10
TABLE 3.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SPECIMENS
Material
Propertie
Value
Policarbonate
PSM-1
Elastic modulus E
2.50 GPa
Poissons ratio
0.38

IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
3.1 Finite element model

For this work, FEM was used to determine the SIF in the components under loading conditions that
are stated as follows. Each specimen was simulated considering conditions as follows; constant width
w = 101.6 mm and a variable length L from 101.6 up to 304.8 mm (figure 1). The crack size a is
considered with a constant value of 63.5 mm for all cases. The loads were applied with a constant
opening value of 446 N and four different transverse compressive load valuated at 0, 223, 2230 and
4460 N respectively for the different study cases (see table 1). It is important to highlight that although
a biaxial load mode was applied, shear load doesn't take place at the crack tip due to the symmetry of
the specimen in regard to compressive load [11]. Finite element analysis was carried out using the
computational program ANSYS V 7.0 described in refs. [11-12] and the finite element model is shown
in the figure 2, where the boundary and loading conditions can be observed.
Figure 1 Model of cracked plate (SEN specimen).
Figure 2 Finite element model.
StabilityofK1 fordifferentratiosof
Pcomp/Popen.Numericalanalysis
1.6
1.55
StressIntensityFactorK1 (MPam)
1.5
1.45
1.4
1.35
1.3
1.25
Pcomp/Popen=0
1.2
Pcomp/Popen=0.5
1.15
1.1
Pcomp/Popen=5
1.05
Pcomp/Popen=10
1
0.95
0.9
0.85
0.8
0.000
0.100
0.200
0.300
0.400
0.500
0.600
0.700
a/L
Figure 3 Numerical solution of K1 for different ratios of compressive/opening loads.

IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
Figure 3 shows the SIF values evaluated for a loading conditions given in table 2, against the
relation of crack length/specimen length a/L of the specimen. Figure 4 shows the results obtained at
the zone in which the behaviour of K1 is unstable and it is possible to observe how fast the values
change. It seems to be a transition length L of the specimen that coincides for all study cases, which
has a value of 0.18161m and a geometric ratio of a/L=0.3497. It can be observed as well in figure 4,
that the transition zone seems to be common for all loading condition cases. Results shown in figure 4
seem to be are significant only in a qualitative way, since it is in this zone where seemingly occurs a
change in the tendency of the values of K1.
StressIntensityFactorK1
(MPam)
BehaviourofK1 insidetherange0.1800.183m
Numericalanalysis
0.9410
0.9405
0.9400
0.9395
Pcomp/Popen=0
0.9390
Pcomp/Popen=0.5
0.9385
Pcomp/Popen=5
Pcomp/Popen=10
0.9380
0.3460
0.3470
0.3480
0.3490
0.3500
0.3510
0.3520
0.3530
a/L
Figure 4 Numerical solution of K1 in the transition zone. Length range from 0.180 to 0.183 m.
4. Experimental procedure and results

To carry out this work an experimental loading rig was used, it was designed and built by Urriolagoitia
et. al. [2] (figure 5). The rig is a metallic structure designed to apply uniform loads on a rectangular
SEN specimen made with a photo-elastic material. The specimen was prepared with a crack along the
longitudinal axis. The applied loads are of two kinds; an opening load and a longitudinal compressive
pressure. A Schematic drawing of the rig is shown in figure 6. The opening load it is applied to the
specimen through a group of eigth fastener blocks. These fastener blocks have were instrumented with
strain gauges. These blocks are forced to separate by means of a screw, which produces the opening
load in the specimen. This opening load can be measured using strain gauges that have been placed on
the blocks (figure 6). The compressive force required for this experimental work is applied by means
of eight individual fingers placed at the right end of the plate (figure 6). These fingers are operated by
horizontal screws. Each finger is provided with a couple of strain gauges placed in such a way that any
kind of flexural stress is suppressed. This characteristic allows a good control of the complete stress
field. It is very important to state, that this study was carried out based on the results reported in other
similar works and on the numerical analysis shown previously [1-4, 13-14]. Actually, other methods
have been used for determining fracture parameters, which are very interesting and provide important
information on the stress field at the crack tip [15].
4.1 Experimental tests and computing of KI
Procedure for experimental tests was to mount the plate in the loading rig, which was held by means
of screws. The next steps was placing the loading rig in the polariscope and proceed to connect strain
gages to strain indicator, to be able to measure the loads applied to the specimen through the
deformation of the load cells. The study cases were the same ones that were analyzed by means of
numerical simulation (see tables 1 and 2) where dimensions and loads applied to the specimens are
shown. The crack was introduced making a cut by means of a very thin hacksaw blade, and the crack

IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
tip was made by means of a sharp blade. For experimental determination of KI the following model
was used, which is described in ref.[16].
(2 max )i (2 max ) j
K I = 2ri
1 ri r j 1 / 2
(1)
To apply this equation it is necessary to measure two radios that correspond to two consecutive
isochromatic loops ri and rj, (fig. 7) as well as their respective maximum shear stresses (mx)i y (mx)j,
which are determined by means of the optical stress law [16] given as
max =
Nf
2t
(2)
Now, different values of stress intensity factors are calculated establishing all possible
permutations for any couple of isochromatic fringes. From these results it is obtained the stocking K I
and the standard deviation S K . Finally, values that are outside of K I S K are eliminated and another
value K I is computed. This procedure is carried out for all study cases.
Figure 5 Experimental loading rig.
Figure 6 Schematic representation of the rig.
Experimental results are shown in figure 8. It is important to point out that it was not possible to
carried out experimental tests in the transition zone of L, due to the small variation in the magnitude of
this parameter (smaller than 1mm), which didn't allow to build these specimens. At the end of each
experiment, the opening load was increased to the point of producing fracture so as to observe the
direction of propagation which coincides with the stability approach presented for KI values. The
values of the failure loads for some specimens are shown in figures 9 and 10.

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doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
Figure 7 Isochromatic fringe pattern in a photoelastic specimen that defines shear stress state.
StabilityofK1fordifferentratiosof
Pcomp/Popen.ExperimentalAnalysis
1.6
StressIntensityFactorK1 (MPam)
1.55
1.5
1.45
1.4
1.35
1.3
1.25
Pcomp/Popen=0
1.2
Pcomp/Popen=0.5
1.15
1.1
Pcomp/Popen=5
1.05
Pcomp/Popen=10
1
0.95
0.9
0.85
0.8
0.000
0.100
0.200
0.300
0.400
0.500
0.600
0.700
a/L
Figure 8 Experimental solution of K1 for different ratios of compressive/opening loads.

IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
Figure 9 Stable fracture propagation in specimens with relationship a/L < 0.3497. Figure (a) shows the stress
state at the crack tip when failure occurs, that is 1670 N opening load and 4460 N compressive load. Figure (b)
shows the stress state at the crack tip when failure occurs, that is 1480 N opening load and 4460 N compressive
load.
Figure 10 Unstable fracture propagation in specimens with relationships a/L > 0.3497. Figure (a) shows the
stress state at the crack tip when failure occurs, that is 1290 N opening load and 4460 N compressive load.
Figure (b) shows the stress state at the crack tip when failure occurs, that is 1115 N opening load and 4460 N
compressive load.
5. Discussion
The results that were obtained for the values of the SIF have shown clearly the influence of
fundamental parameters such as the specimen geometry and the relation between the opening and
transverse loads. Zanganeh et. al. [17] mentions that this effect is due to the stress term known as Tstress which is defined as the second non-singular term in Williamss crack tip stress field solution.
Also refers to the Cotterell studies [18] where he says that the T-stress controls the stability of the
crack direction as well as assumed that the ideal direction for crack growth is along the line of
symmetry of the stress distribution ahead of the crack tip and concluded that if the sign of the T-stress
is negative then the crack path has a tendency to return to its original ideal path (referred to as
directionally stable). However, if the T-stress is positive the crack path does not return to this
original ideal path. Additionally, Pacey [19] says that a fringe pattern in the crack tip may be produced
in specimens by subjected them to compressive loads in line with de crack growth direction and can

IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
also be attributed to the specimen geometry and the mode of loading. He also affirms that must be
some point in specimen where a transition occurs from tensile to compressive loading and where the
fringe order is zero.
In figures 3, 8 and 9 it can be observed, as if the length of the specimen is increased, more stable is
the determined values of K1, and the directional stability of crack propagation is also stable. Numerical
and experimental results were compared and it can be observed like experimental results are very
similar to numerical results, although some values differ due to unavoidable errors in the experimental
process.The findings obtained were consistent in a general manner for all rates of loading conditions
Pcomp/Popen, which also show that the conditions of fracture propagation are stable. On the other hand,
the shorter specimens are more sensitive to changes in the compressive loading. Characteristic can be
observed clearly for the relationship of loads Pcomp/Popen= 10. Seems to exist a transition length of the
specimen that coincides for all cases of study, which has a value of 0.18161 m and a geometric ratio of
a/L = 0.3497. For the geometric relationships of a/L greater than this value, and loading conditions of
Pcomp/Popen= 5 and Pcomp/Popen= 10, the values of K1 increase drastically, as well as the direction of
fracture propagation which seem to become more unstable. Analyses using the finite element method
was carried out on transition length, for this studies the results are shown in figure 4 and it can be
corroborated the influence that of the load and geometry ratios in each case of study. By FEM the
exact size of transition length is determined as well which is of 0.18161m and a geometric relationship
of a/L=0.3497.
Conclusions
When concluding the numeric and experimental work, as well as when analyzing the results, quite
interesting conclusions were reached regarding the tendency of the K1 values for specimens subjected
to biaxial tensile-compressive stresses as well as their influence on the fracture propagation stability.
The conclusions of the work are:
1. The SEN specimens with length L > 0.18161 m and with geometric relationships a / L <
0.3497 are stable in the direction of fracture propagation.
2. The SEN specimens with length L < 0.18161 m with geometric relationships a / L > 0.3497 are
unstable in the direction of fracture propagation.
3. The Y factor in SEN specimens subjected to compressive and opening load, is an a / L function
as well.
4. The geometry of the rectangular specimens influences directly the K1 values and the directional
stability of fracture propagation.
5. The compressive load increases the stress intensity factor K1 considerably in short specimens
up to 45% for Pcomp/Popen = 10, while in longer specimens K1 is increased by 1.6% for the same
ratio of loads.
6. The uncertainty in the K1 values for short specimens and big rates of load Pcomp/Popen, produce
uncertainty in the direction of fracture propagation, this seems to indicate that both parameters
are related in a direct way.
7. Without compressive load, a long specimen is more stable for the direction of fracture
propagation.
8.- Acknowledgement
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the Mexican government by de
Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologa and the Instituto Politcnico Nacional, Escuela Superior de
Ingeniera Mecnica y Elctrica.

IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1742-6596/181/1/012061
9.- References
[1] Urriolagoitia-Caldern G and Hernndez-Gmez L H, 1996, Evaluation of crack propagation
stability with the Williams stress function-I. Stress field analysis, International Journal
Computers and Structures, Vol. 61, No. 4, pp 775-780.
[2] Urriolagoitia-Caldern G and Hernndez-Gmez L H, 1997, Evaluation of crack propagation
stability-II. Numerical Analysis, International Journal Computers and Structures, Vol. 63,
No. 5, pp 1007-1014.
[3] Urriolagoitia-Caldern G and Hernndez-Gmez L H, 1997, Experimental analysis of crack
propagation stability in single edge notch specimens, Theoretical and Applied Fracture
Mechanics, Vol. 28, pp 57-68.
[4] Sauceda-Meza I, 2000, Anlisis Numrico-Experimental de la Estabilidad Direccional de
Propagacin de Fractura bajo Campos Biaxiales de Esfuerzos, Ph D Thesis, Instituto
Politcnico Nacional SEPI-ESIME.
[5] F. Erdogan, G.C. Sih, 1963, On crack extension in plates under plane loading and tranasverse
shear, J. Basic Eng. Trans. ASME 85(D), pp. 519-527
[6] B. Cotterell, 1965, On brittle fracture paths, Int. J. Fract. Mech. I, pp. 96-103
[7] B. Cotterell. 1966, Notes on the paths and stability of cracks, Int. J. Fract. Technol. 2, pp. 526533
[8] M. E. Kipp. G. C. Sih, 1975, The strain energy density failure criterion applied to notched
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[10] G. C. Sih, 1974, Strain density factor applied to mixed mode crack problems, Int. J. Fract., 10,
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[11] ANSYS Structural Analysis Guide, 2004, Chapter 10, Fracture Mechanics, SASP IP Inc, Ed.
[12] ANSYS Element Reference, 2004, Chapter 4, Element Library, SAS IP Inc.
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Fractura bajo Esfuerzos Biaxiales, MSc Thesis, Instituto Tecnolgico de Tlalnepantla,
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growth mechanisms, Experimental Mechanics, 45
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7th International Conference on Modern Practice in Stress and Vibration Analysis