Stabilized crack-opening stresses as a function of R-ratios and stress levels

An elastic-perfectly plastic middle crack tension aluminum 2024-T3 alloy was used under plane stress, plane strain and 3D analysis to determine stabilized crack-opening stresses for different R-ratios and stress levels. The stabilized crack-opening stresses of a 3D analysis locate between those values of plane stress and plane strain conditions. Using the above strategy, one can determine crack-opening stresses for any desired thickness value using interpolating scheme. Two and three dimensional programs were developed based on small strain elasticity theory incorporating linear strain isoparametric elements. The plasticity part of the analysis uses initial stress approach. The crack was extended one element size as the applied load reached the maximum value of each load cycle. Crack opening and closure stresses of nodes on the crack surface plane after some cyclic crack extensions are demonstrated. Based on the obtained results, for the three-dimensional finite-element analysis, the calculated stabilized crack opening stresses always locate between those of plane stress and plane strain conditions.