A REVIEW ON INVESTIGATION OF MIXED MODE FRACTURE IN BRITTLE MATERIALS

Shridharmurthy H N, H K Srinivas, Shashidhara L C, Madhusudhan T

Abstract: A series of mixed mode fracture tests were conducted on specimens made up of brittle materials to find out fracture parameters. Some of the parameters of interest are stress intensity factor (K), fracture toughness (Kc) and crack growth direction. In order to minimize catastrophic effects of mixed mode brittle fracture, investigation of mixed mode fracture is necessary. A number of researches have been carried out utilizing universal testing machine with suitable fixtures. Some of the experiments conducted used techniques like indentation techniques, tension tests, compression tests, bending and so on. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. The experimental results obtained were theoretically verified by many mixed mode fracture criteria. Some researchers also came up with empirical relations to approximate results which wouldn’t have been possible by existing famous fracture criteria. Even numerical methods like FEM analysis were carried out using commercially available softwares like ABACUS.

Keywords: Mixed mode; Brittle fracture; Fracture toughness; Universal testing machine.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0521005