Search

In this paper a review of the literature on crack closure/opening load and crack tip shielding effects determination methods is presented. Commonly used ‘subjective’ (visual) and ‘non-subjective’ approaches have been included. Procedures associated with the determination of an effective crack driving force for both Elber type and that of partial (or incremental) crack closure models have been covered. Comparison among different methods of analyses based on compliance and fatigue crack growth rate measurements is discussed together with their implications and difficulties in fatigue crack growth correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the scatter in the opening load, Pop, values due to the numerical analysis of the experimental load–displacement data is studied. The most commonly used approaches are investigated, namely the ASTM standard, modified two tangent lines and the parabola and line methods. In these methods, the relevant parameters are varied independently within the recommended intervals in order to assess the scatter in the crack opening load. Comparisons among different methods of analyses are discussed together with the implications on fatigue crack growth correlations. Also, a new line–parabola–line procedure for Pop determination is discussed and evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]