Evaluation of crack initiation angle under mixed mode loading at diverse strain rates

Crack initiation angle, under mixed mode loading at several strain rates, is analysed using an experimental-numerical approach. The physical phenomenon for the problem at hand is influenced by the local and global conditions. One of such factors is the strain rate at the crack tip. For this purpose, PMMA plates with centred angled cracks under mixed mode loading were tested. The strain rate at the neighbourhood of the crack tip before crack propagation was evaluated. Considering that this material is strain rate sensitive, the numerical models were calibrated with the modulus of elasticity measured in tension tests at the observed strain rates. Numerical evaluations were performed with the finite element method in conjunction with the volume energy density criterion. An improvement in the evaluation of the crack propagation angle was observed. In order to complete the analysis, the crack initiation angle was also evaluated with the strain energy density factor S, considering the mechanical properties of PMMA, as evaluated at the observed strain rates, and the stress intensity factors k(1) and k(2). Results are in agreement with those observed experimentally. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.