Crack Paths 2009

1

1

2

θ

2

a)

b)

Figure 3. Definition of the crack opening displacement (COD) for an inclined centre crack (n=3 and θ =45o): (a) before deformation and (b) after deformation

R E S U L TASN DDISCUSSION

The separation parameter

ij S for each cracked specimen record was obtained by

dividing the specimen load record by the reference specimen load record for the same

plastic displacement. The specimen with the crack aspect ratio W / a=0.5 was used as

the reference specimen. Figure 4 shows the separation parameters of the tension plate

with an inclined centre crack with respect to plastic displacement.

1,,005 1 15

r,S

n=10 θ 45o

eapar t io n P a r a m e t e

0,805 0,905

a/W=0.4

a/W=0.5

S

a/W=0.6

0,00 0,05 0,10 0,15 0,20 0,25 0,30 0,35 0,40

0,75

Plastic Displacement, m m

Figure 4. Variation of separation parameters

ij S of the tension plate with an inclined

centre crack versus plastic displacement for n=10 and the crack orientation angle θ =45o.

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