A computational model and experimental validation of shielding and amplifying effects at a crack tip near perpendicular strength-mismatched interfaces.

The stress field around the crack tip near an elastically matched but strength-mismatched interface body in a bimetallic system is influenced when the crack tip yield or cohesive zone spreads to the interface body. The concept of crack tip stress intensity parameter, K, is therefore employed in fracture analysis of the bimetallic body. A computational model to determine K is reviewed in this paper. The model, based upon i) Westergaard's complex potentials coupled with Kolosov-Muskhelishvili's relations between a crack tip stress field and complex potentials and ii) Dugdale's representation of the cohesive zone clearly indicates shielding or amplifying effects of strength mismatch across the interface, depending upon the direction of the strength gradient, over the crack tip. The model is successfully validated by conducting series of high cycle fatigue tests over Mode I cracks advancing towards various strength-mismatched interfaces in bimetallic compact tension specimens prepared by electron beam welding of elastically identical weak ASTM 4340 alloy and strong MDN 250 maraging steels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]