A proposed maximum ratio criterion applied to mixed mode fatigue crack propagation

In the present paper, the crack initiation and propagation in rectangular magnesium alloy plates containing an inclined through crack are investigated experimentally and theoretically. Based on the complex stress state at the crack tip, a maximum ratio criterion is developed to determine the crack propagation for a given inclination angle by means of an opening mode theory. It is assumed that the crack begins to propagate when the maximum value of ratio approaches its critical value, and the direction of crack propagation coincides with the direction of maximum ratio defined. The experiments for checking the theoretical predictions from the proposed criterion have been conducted. The material properties and fracture characteristics are evaluated during the tests. The results obtained are compared with those obtained using the commonly employed fracture criteria and the experimental data.