Fatigue crack shape prediction based on vertex singularity

Abstract

Due to the existence of vertex singularity at the point where the crack intersects the free surface, stress distribution around the crack tip and the type of the singularity is changed. In the interior of the specimen the classical singular behaviour of the crack is dominant and can be described using analytic equations. Contrary to this, at the free surface or in the boundary layer close to free surface the vertex singularity is significant. The influence of vertex singularity on crack behaviour and a crack shape for a three-dimensional structure is described in this paper. The results presented make it possible to estimate fatigue crack growth rate and crack shape using the concept of the generalized stress intensity factor. The estimated fatigue crack shape can help to provide a more reliable estimation of the fatigue life of the structures considered.