Kachanov’s simplifiedmodel ofmicrocrack interaction is applied to an investigationof the behaviour of a cracked body under predominantly compressive periodic loading, so that the cracks experience periods of closure and slip, with frictional dissipation. The model is shown to be equivalent to a discrete elastic frictional systemwith each crack representing one node. Theorems and algorithms from...

This paper deals with the implementation of an efficient Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation for the three dimensional finite element modeling of mode I self-similar dynamic fracture process. Contrary to the remeshing technique, the presented algorithm can continuously advance the crack with the one mesh topology. The uncoupled approach is employed to treat the equations. So, each t...

Crack front waves are nonlinear localized waves that propagate along the leading edge of a crack. They are generated by both the interaction of a crack with a localized material inhomogeneity and the intrinsic formation of microbranches. Front waves are shown to transport energy, generate surface structure, and lead to localized velocity fluctuations. Their existence locally imparts inertia, wh...

We present a modeling technique for the interaction of an elliptical-shape crack in a metal with an open-ended waveguide. The crack is first modeled by an appropriate number of short rectangular waveguides. The mode-matching technique is then used to calculate the scattering matrix of the new segmented waveguide structure. The probe reflection coefficient of the dominant mode is finally calcula...

The nite element method is now well established as a robust and reliable numerical technique in many areas of solid mechanics. There are however problems where the use of the nite element method is cumbersome like the modeling of moving discon-tinuities due to the need to update the mesh to match the geometry of the discontinuity. Even for stationary cracks, in three-dimensional solids, contsru...

Fatigue crack growth behavior has been examined in a particulate titanium diboride (TiB2)–reinforced iron-based composite that had been produced via a mechanical alloying process. Comparison with equivalent unreinforced material indicated that fatigue crack growth resistance in the composite was superior to monolithic matrix material in the near-threshold regime. The composite exhibited relativ...

The multiscale nature of cracking in ferroelectric ceramics is explored in relation to the crack growth enhancement and retardation behavior when the direction of applied electric ®eld is reversed with reference to that of poling. An a priori knowledge of the prevailing fracture behavior is invoked for the energy dissipated in exchange of the macroand micro-crack surface. To avoid the formalism...

We investigate the origins of the widely observed "en passant" crack pattern, which forms through interactions between two approaching cracks. A rectangular elastic plate is notched on each long side and then subjected to quasistatic uniaxial strain from the short side. The two cracks propagate along approximately straight paths until they pass each other, after which they curve and release a l...