A numerical fracture analysis of a stationary semi-circular interface crack during interfacial indentation test

The aim of this work is to investigate the fracture behavior of a stationary crack lying along the interface in a coated system during interfacial indentation test. One traditional 3D numerical model and one cohesive element numerical model have been made to study the Vickers indentation test process. A crack-block approach is applied to generate 3D meshes containing the crack front along the interface. The stress intensity factors and the energy release rates (G) on the crack front are computed. The fracture mode mixity is also presented. It is found that the near surface propagation of the crack can be prevented during loading due to compressive stresses. It may occur during unloading due to residual stresses resulting from plastic strain.