This paper presents a methodology for assessing the confidence and the predictive capability of prognosis models, using the application of fatigue crack growth analysis. Structures with complicated geometry and multi-axial variable amplitude loading conditions are considered. Several models – finite element model, crack growth model, retardation model, surrogate model, etc. – are efficiently co...

A hybrid quantum-mechanical/molecular-dynamics simulation is performed to study the effects of environmental molecules on fracture initiation in silicon. A ~110! crack under tension ~mode-I opening! is simulated with multiple H2O molecules around the crack front. Electronic structure near the crack front is calculated with density functional theory. To accurately model the long-range stress fie...

A B S T R A C T Pump shafts used for power generation are susceptible to fatigue cracking while often in near-continuous operation. Technology based on torsional vibration is under development for condition-based assessment of shaft health. The focus of this paper is on the relationship between a crack, which propagated due to bending loads, and the torsional stiffness of the shaft. An analytic...

The role of prism decussation on the crack growth resistance of human enamel is evaluated. Miniature inset compact tension (CT) specimens embodying a section of cuspal enamel were subjected to Mode I cyclic or monotonic loads. Cracks were grown in either the forward (from outer enamel inwards) or reverse (from inner enamel outwards) direction and the responses were compared quantitatively. Resu...

An investigation of the friction and sliding wear of gray cast iron against chromium plated cast irons was carried out on a newly constructed reciprocating friction and wear tester. The tests were the first to be done on the test rig under dry conditions and at the speed of 170 cm/min, and variable loads of 20-260 N for a duration of 15 min. to 3 hours. The gray cast iron surfaces worn by a pro...

Abstract: DCPD technique is powerful tool for quantitative NDE of cracks. The technique using four probes which are in close proximity to each other has been proposed for NDE of surface cracks; that is the closely coupled probes potential drop (CCPPD) technique. It has been shown that the sensitivity of the CCPPD technique is enhanced significantly in comparison with the usual method. The objec...

In this research, a slotted patch antenna sensor is designed for wireless strain and crack sensing. An offthe-shelf RFID (radiofrequency identification) chip is adopted in the antenna sensor design for signal modulation. The operation power of the RFID chip is captured from wireless reader interrogation signal, so the sensor operation is completely battery-free (passive) and wireless. For strai...

The chipping process in a brittle material subjected to a uniformly applied edge load has been investigated. The present analysis extends earlier work by recognizing that as the chip is formed it may bend and change the loading at the crack tip. This geometry change introduces a nonlinear effect and has significant influence on the phenomenon. The nonlinear effect was demonstrated by incorporat...

In this paper an exact formulation of the plane elasticity problem for a hollow cylinder or a disk containing a radial crack is given. The crack may be an external edge crack, an internal edge crack, or an embedded crack. It is assumed that on the crack surfaces the shear traction is zero and the normal traction is an arbitrary function of r. For various crack geometries and radius ratios, the ...

BACKGROUND Slow crack growth can be described in a v (crack velocity) versus KI (stress intensity factor) diagram. Slow crack growth in ceramics is attributed to corrosion assisted stress at the crack tip or at any pre-existing defect in the ceramic. The combined effect of high stresses at the crack tip and the presence of water or body fluid molecules (reducing surface energy at the crack tip)...