Design and analysis of crack-tip fields in plastically compressible hardening solids under cyclic loading

This study finds the mode I crack tip quantities for plastically compressible hardening solids exposed to fluctuating loading whereas the same for plastically incompressible solids has also been done for comparative analysis. The assumptions like small scale yielding and plane strain have been made for the present analysis. The effects of load ratio, stress intensity factor range, and plastic compressibility on the crack tip deformation and fields have been reported. A quick convergence of cyclic paths of crack-tip-opening-displacement is observed to stabilize self-similar loops in case of positive load ratio and lower load range. However, the same type of convergence pattern is not observed for higher load range and zero load ratio. Time taken for the stabilization of those self-similar loops is increased with increase in the plastic compressibility. The load range, load ratio and compressibility affect the growth of crack notably.