Application of the R-Curve Concept to Fatigue Crack Growth

Crack growth resistance for both static (rising load) and for cyclic fatigue crack growth has been shown to be a continuous function over a range of 0.1 μm to 10 cm in crack extension for 2024-T3 aluminum. Crack growth resistance to each fatigue cycle of crack extension is shown to approach the materials ordinary undirectional static crack resistance value when the cyclic stress ratio is zero. The fatigue crack extension is averaged over many cycles and is correlated with the maximum value of the crack tip stress intensity, K_max. A linear plot of crack growth resistance for fatigue and static loading data shows similar effects of thickness, stress ratio, and other parameters. The effect of cyclic stress ratio on crack growth resistance for 2219 aluminum indicates the magnitude of differences in resistance when plotted to a linear scale. Prediction of many of these trends is possible using one of several available crack growth data correlating techniques. It appears that a unique resistance curve, dependent on material, crack orientation, thickness, and stress/physical environment, can be developed for crack extensions as small as 0.076 μm (3 μ inches). This wide range, crack growth resistance curve is seen of immense potential for use in both fatigue and fracture studies.