Crack-tip field characterization of crack-tip opening angle-based crack growth — plane strain single-edge cracked specimen subject to pure extension

The objective of this work is to study the crack-tip field of plane strain fully plastic crack growth of a single-edge cracked specimen subject to pure extension. The nodal release technique [1] was implemented into an FEM model so that the nodes arranged in the crack path are released. The fracture criterion for the crack growth in the model adopts the loading geometry-based crack-tip opening angle-(CTOA) proposed in the work of Ref. [2]. The crack-tip field from the CTOA-based crack growth was investigated and characterized with a slip line field. It was observed that the backface configuration of the specimen, which evolves with the crack growth, is engaged in the formation of the shear band and, as a result, significantly elevates the triaxiality at the crack-tip during the crack growth.