Interaction Analysis of Multiple Cracks Based on the Maximum Shear Stress Criterion

Abstract

In order to analyse the interaction of multiple cracks in the process of the cracks propagation and penetration, the overlap triple-cracks penetration test was simulated according to the maximum shear stress criterion. The stress intensity factors of the crack tips were calculated by means of element-free method (EFM). The results show that the maximum shear stress criterion can simulate the crack propagation process well. With comparison with the single crack model, the formation mechanism of the wing cracks and the shear cracks, and the interaction between the cracks and its influence on the multi-cracks propagation path were also explained.