Fractal modeling of the J–R curve and the influence of the rugged crack growth on the stable elastic–plastic fracture mechanics

In this paper, fractal geometry is used to modify the Griffith–Irwin–Orowan classical energy balance. Crack fractal geometry is introduced in the elastic–plastic fracture mechanics by means of the Eshelby–Rice J-integral and the influence of the ruggedness of the crack surface on the quasistatic crack growth is evaluated. It is shown that the rising of the J–R curve correlates to the topological ruggedness dimension of the crack surface. Results from fracture experiments are shown to be very well fitted with the proposed model, which is shown to be a unifying approach for fractal models currently used in fracture mechanics.