Determination of crack growth direction for multiple offset edge cracks of a finite plate

Abstract

An approximated crack growth direction and coalescence of the multiple cracks were obtained for an aluminum alloy plate by the finite element approach (FEA). Self-similar as well as non-self-similar crack growths were observed based on relative position of multiple cracks. The FE predictions of crack growth direction are validated with an experimental results and good agreement is established. Typical numerical results are presented to examine the effect of changing the crack tip distance (S), crack offset distance (H) on crack growth direction and coalescence of a finite aluminum alloy aluminum plate. Based on the analysis and experimental results, a new mathematical models for self-similar and non-self similar crack growth are introduced.