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6.1

Derive the distortional energy expression for plane stress.

Solution:
The stress-strain relation can be expressed as
0 = K 0

(6.1.1)

1
where 0 = ( xx + yy + zz ) is the average stress, 0 = xx + yy + zz is the
3

dilatation for small strain, and K =

E
is the bulk modulus.
3(1 2 )

For the state of plane stress, we have zz = 0 and zz = ( xx + yy )

1
1
Thus, 0 = ( xx + yy + zz ) = ( xx + yy )
3
3

and 0 = xx + yy + zz = (1 )( xx + yy )

The strain energy density associated with the volume dilatation is given by,
1
1
1
Wv = 0 0 =
02 =
( xx + yy ) 2
2
2K
18 K

(6.1.2)

The total strain energy density for plane stress is

W =

1
( xx xx + yy yy + xy xy )
2

(6.1.3)

1
1
2
2
=
xy 2
( xx + yy 2 xx yy ) +
2E
2G

where xx =

1
1
1
( xx yy ) , yy = ( xx + yy ) , and xy = xy
E
E
G

The strain energy associated with distortional deformation is obtained as

Wd = W Wv
Substituting (6.1.2) and (6.1.3) in W and Wv, and using G =
Wd =

E
we have
2(1 + )

1
1
1
2
2
( xx + yy 2 xx yy ) +
xy 2
( xx + yy ) 2
2G
18 K
2E

1
1 + 2 1 2
2
2
2
2
( xx + yy 2 xx yy ) +
xy
( xx + yy + 2 xx yy )
2E
6E
E

6.1.1

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1
1+ 2
2
2
2
2
xy
[3 xx + 3 yy 6 xx yy (1 2 )( xx + yy + 2 xx yy )] +
E
6E

1
1+ 2
2
2
xy
[( 2 + 2 ) xx + (2 + 2 ) yy (2 + 2 ) xx yy ] +
E
6E

1+
2
2
2
[ xx + yy xx yy + 3 xy ]
3E

1
2
2
2
[( xx yy ) 2 + xx + yy + 6 xy ]
12G

We can rewrite this equation in

Wd =

1
J2
2G

1
2
2
2
where J 2 = [( xx yy ) 2 + xx + yy + 6 xy ]
6

6.1.2

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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6.2

A thin-walled hollow sphere 2 m in diameter is subjected to internal pressure

p 0 . The wall thickness is 5 mm and the yield stress of the material is 250 MPa.
Use both Tresca and von Mises yield criteria to determine the maximum internal
pressure p 0 that does not cause yielding.

Solution:
The stresses caused by the internal pressure p 0 is

xx = yy

1
p 0 ( D 2 )
p D
2 p0
4
=
= 0 =
= 100 p 0 , xy = 0 , zz = 0
(D)t
4t
4(0.005)

where x and y are orthogonal axes in the directions tangential to the surface at the
point of interest, and z is perpendicular to the surface at the same point. There are
only normal stresses presnt. Thus,

1 = xx = 100 p 0 , 2 = yy = 100 p 0 , 3 = 0
(1) Tresca yield criterion
Yielding occurs when

1 2 Y

(6.2.1a)

2 3 Y

(6.2.1b)

3 1 Y

(6.2.1c)

After substituting the stress values, all three inequalities become one:
100 p0 Y = 250 MPa . Thus, the maximum internal pressure p 0 that does not
cause yielding is p 0 = 2.5MPa
--- ANS
(2) von Mises yield criterion
von Mises yiled criterion is
1
1
[( 1 2 )2 + ( 2 3 )2 + ( 3 1 )2 ] = Y 2
6
3
or in plane stress form ( 3 = 0 )
J2 =

J2 =

1
1
1
[( 1 2 )2 + 12 + 2 2 ] = ( 12 1 2 + 2 2 ) = Y 2
6
3
3

Substituting the values to equation (6.2.2) (or (6.2.2a)), we have

2( 100 p0 )2 = 2 Y 2 = 2( 250 )2 ,

6.2.1

(6.2.2)

(6.2.2a)

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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so the maximum internal pressure p 0 that does not cause yielding is p 0 = 2.5MPa
--- ANS
Both criteria give the same maximum pressure of p 0 = 2.5MPa .

6.2.2

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6.3

Consider the problem of Example 6.2. Find the maximum p 0 without causing
yielding if N = 5 10 6 N (compression).

Solution:
From example 6.2, we have yield stress Y = 280 MPa , the radius of the thin-walled
hollow cylinder is a = 1m , and its thickness is t = 5 10 3 m .
N
5
Axial stress: xx =
=
= 159.16 MPa
(2a )t ( 2 )(1)(5 10 3 )
Shear stress: xy = 0

p 0 ( 2a ) L p 0 a
p0
=
=
= 200 p0
2tL
t
0.005
By von Mises yielded criterion for plane stress,
Hoop stress: yy =

1
1 2
2
2
2
J 2 = [( xx yy ) 2 + xx + yy + 6 xy ] = y
6
3

(6.3.1)

Substituting the values, we have

(200 p 0 + 159.16) 2 + (200 p 0 ) 2 + (159.16) 2 = 2 y = 2(280) 2
2

80000 p0 + 63664 p0 106136.2 = 0

2

=> p 0 = 0.82Mpa ,
p 0 = 1.62 Mpa
Since inner pressure p 0 should be positive, the negative solution is neglected.
Thus, the maximum p 0 without causing yielding is p 0 = 0.82Mpa .
--- ANS

6.3.1

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6.4

An aluminum alloy 2024-T651 (see Table 6.1) panel is subjected to biaxial

loading as shown in Fig. 6.24. Assume that 1 = 300MPa and 2 can be
either tension or compression. Find the maximum values of 2 in tension and
compression that the panel can withstand before yielding according to von
Mises yield criterion.

2
Figure 6.24

Material under biaxial stress

Solution:
From Table 6.1, we have the yield stress Y = 415MPa for aluminum 2024-T651.
By von Mises yield criterion for plane stress,
1
1
( 1 2 1 2 + 2 2 ) = Y 2
3
3
Substituting 1 = 300MPa and Y = 415MPa , we have

(6.4.1)

300 2 300 2 + 2 = 415 2

2

=> 2 300 2 82225 = 0 , solve for 2

2

=> 2 = 473.61MPa or 2 = 173.61MPa

The maximum values of 2 is
In tension: 2 = 473.61MPa
In compression: 2 = 173.61MPa
This solution indicates that if loads in both directions are tensile (or compressive), it
would be more difficult to yield the material than if one is tensile and the other is
compressive.
--- ANS
6.4.1

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6.5

Find the total strain energy release rate for the split beam loaded as shown in
Figs. 6.25 and 6.26.

Figure 6.25

Split beam subjected to shear force

Figure 6.26

Split beam subjected to extension and bending

Solution:
(1) Figure 6.25
The strain energy stored in the beam due to a bending moment M is
M2
dx
0 2 EI
For segment 1, the strain energy is
U =

U1 =

( Px) 2
P 2a3 2P 2a3
=
,
dx =
2 EI1
6 EI1
Eth 3

(6.5.1)

where I 1 =

th 3
12

For segment 2,
U2 = 0
For segment 3,
U3 =

( Px) 2
P 2 ( L3 a 3 ) P 2 ( L3 a 3 )
t (2h) 3 2th 3
dx =
=
,
where
I
=
=
3
12
3
2 EI 3
6 EI 3
4 Eth 3

The total strain energy stored in the entire split beam is

2 P 2 a 3 P 2 ( L3 a 3 )
U = U1 + U 2 + U 3 =
+
Eth 3
4 Eth 3
The strain energy release rate is
6.5.1

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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G=

1 dU 1 6 P 2 a 2 3P 2 a 2
21 P 2 a 2
= (

)
=
t da t Eth 3
4 Et 2 h 3
4 Eth 3
--- ANS

(2) Figure 6.26

Assume the axial load acting on segment 1 is located at the distance of

h
from the
2

center of the entire split beam. The strain energy stored in the beam due to an axial
force P is
P2L
2 EA
For segment 1, the strain energy is
U=

P2a
P2a
=
,
2 EA1 2 Eth

U1 =

(6.5.2)

where A1 = th

For segment 2,
U2 =

(M 0 ) 2
M a 6M 0 a
th 3
,
where
I
=
dx = 0 =
2
12
2 EI 2
2 EI 2
Eth 3

For segment 3, the load consists of an axial force of P and bending moment of
M0 + P

h
. Strain energy stored in segment 3 is
2

U3 =

P ( L a)
+
a
2 EA3
2

h
(M 0 + P ) 2
2 dx
2 EI 3

P 2 ( L a ) 3M 0 ( L a ) 3M 0 Ph( L a ) 3P 2 h 2 ( L a )
+
+
+
4 Eth
4 Eth 3
4 Eth 3
16 Eth 3
2

t (2h) 3 2th 3
=
where A3 = 2th , and I 3 =
12
3
The total strain energy stored in the entire split beam is
U = U1 + U 2 + U 3
P 2 a 6 M 0 a P ( L a ) 3M 0 ( L a ) 3M 0 Ph( L a ) 3P 2 h 2 ( L a )
=
+
+
+
+
+
2 Eth
4 Eth
Eth 3
4 Eth 3
4 Eth 3
16 Eth 3
The strain energy release rate is
2

6M 0
3M 0
3M 0 Ph 3P 2
1 dU 1 P 2
P2
)
= (
+

t da t 2 Eth Eth 3 4 Eth 4 Eth 3

4 Eth 3 16 Eth
2
3M 0 P
1 P2
21 M 0
=
+

2 3
2
16 Et h 4 Et h
4 Et 2 h 2

G=

--- ANS

6.5.2

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6.6

Consider the split beam with loading shown in Fig. 6.27. Loadings in both
Fig.6.11 and 6.27 are antisymmetric, and both are mode II fracture problems.
For the same value of P, which loading is more efficient in cracking the beam?
Assume that the beam dimensions and the elastic properties are
E = 70GPa ,
= 0.3
a = 10 10 2 m ,

t = 2 10 2 m

L = 15 10 2 m ,

h = 1 10 2 m

Figure 6.27

Split beam subjected to shear forces

Figure 6.11

Split beam subjected to horizontal forces

Solution:
(1) Figure 6.11
The strain energy stored in the beam due to an axial load P is
P2L
2 EA
The strain energy stored in the beam due to a bending moment M is
U=

M2
U =
dx
0 2 EI
For segments 1 and 2, the strain energy is
L

U1 = U 2 =

P2a
P2a
=
,
2 EA1 2 Eth

where A1 = th

6.6.1

(6.6.1)

(6.6.2)

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For segment 3, the two axial forces are assumed to be completely cancelled out by
themselves and only the unbalanced couple Ph is taken up by this segment of beam.
U3 =

( Ph) 2
P 2 h 2 ( L a ) 3P 2 ( L a )
dx =
=
,
2 EI 3
2 EI 3
4 Eth

where I 3 =

t (2h) 3 2th 3
=
12
3

The total strain energy stored in the entire split beam is

P2a
3P 2 ( L a )
U = U 1 + U 2 + U 3 = 2(
)+
2 Eth
4 Eth
The strain energy release rate is
1 dU 1 P 2
3P 2
1 P2
= (

)=
t da t Eth 4 Eth
4 Et 2 h
(2) Figure 6.27
For segment 1 and 2, the strain energy is
G6.11 =

U1 = U 2 =

( Px) 2
P 2 a 3 2P 2 a 3
dx =
=
,
2 EI 1
6 EI 1
Eth 3

where I 1 =

th 3
= I2
12

For segment 3,

U3 =

2 2
L 2P x
(2 Px) 2
P2
dx =
dx =
( L3 a 3 ) ,
3
3
a
2 EI 3
Eth
2th
E(
)
3

t (2h) 3 2th 3
=
12
3
The total strain energy stored in the entire split beam is
where I 3 =

2P 2 a 3
P2
U = U 1 + U 2 + U 3 = 2(
)+
( L3 a 3 )
3
3
Eth
Eth
The strain energy release rate is
1 dU 1 12 P 2 a 2
P2
9P 2 a 2
2
= [
+
(

3
a
)]
=
t da t Eth 3
Eth 3
Et 2 h 3
(3) Comparison
G6.27 =

G6.27
G6.11

9P 2 a 2
2 3
a2
10
= Et 2h = 36 2 = 36( ) 2 = 3600
1
h
P
2
4 Et h

It is obvious to see that the loading in Fig. 6.27 produces more energy release and is
much more efficient in cracking the beam.
--- ANS

6.6.2

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6.7

To further split the beam of Fig. 6.27, a rigid pin of diameter d = 0.5cm is
inserted as shown in Fig. 6.28. How far does one have to drive the cylinder in
order to split the beam? Assume a plane strain fracture condition with

K Ic = 50MPa m .

Figure 6.28

Split beam opened by a cylinder

Solution:
Use the beam dimensions and the material properties in Problem 6.6.

E = 70GPa ,
L = 15 10 2 m ,

= 0.3

a = 10 10 2 m ,

t = 2 10 2 m

h = 1 10 2 m

The vertical displacement of each split beam at the position of the cylinder is

d
= 0.25cm . This is an approximate value because the exact contact points may
2

not be diametric.
Consider the upper leg as a cantilever beam subjected to a vertical load P at a distance
a - c from the crack tip. The load-deflection relation can be found in any mechanics of
solid book:
3EI 1
3(70 10 9 )(1.6667 10 9 )
0.875

(6.7.1)
P=
=
0.0025 =
3
3
(a c)
(0.1 c)
(0.1 c) 3
th 3 (2 10 2 )(1 10 2 ) 3
=
= 1.6667 10 9 m 4
12
12
Let x measures the distance from the load to a location to the right. The total strain
energy stored in the upper and lower beams due to a bending is
where I =

U = 2

a c

( Px) 2
P 2 (a c) 3
dx =
2 EI 1
3EI 1

The strain energy release rate is

GI =

1 dU P 2 (a c) 2
=
t da
tEI 1

6.7.1

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=(

0.875 2
( 0.1 c )2
0.3281
)
=
3
9
9
( 0.1 c )
( 0.02 )( 70 10 )( 1.6667 10 ) ( 0.1 c )4

Relation between K and G

For plane strain fracture condition,
1 2
1 0.32
2
GIc =
K Ic =
( 50 106 )2 = 32500 N m / m 2
9
E
70 10
Crack grows when G I G Ic
0.3281
32500
( 0 .1 c ) 4

=> 0.1 c 0.05637

=> c 0.0436 m
When the cylinder is driven to c = 0.0436 m , the beam would start to split.
--- ANS

6.7.2

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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6.8

Consider a long thin-walled cylinder of a brittle material subjected to an internal

pressure p 0 . The diameter of the cylinder is 2 m, the wall thickness is 5 mm,
and the mode I fracture toughness of the material (of the same thickness of the
wall) is K Ic = 5MPa m (here, K Ic may not be the plane strain fracture
toughness). If there is a through-the-thickness longitudinal crack of 5 cm in
length on the cylinder, estimate the maximum internal pressure that the cracked
cylinder can withstand. If the cracked cylinder is subjected to a torque and the
mode II toughness of the material is the same as that of mode I, estimate the
maximum torque. Provide justifications of the approach employed in the
estimation.

Solution:
(1) Under the internal pressure p 0 .
The only nonvanishing stress is the hoop stress which is given by

p 0 ( 2r ) L p 0 r
p0
=
=
= 200 p 0
2tL
t
0.005
For a large cylinder with a small crack that is perpendicular to the uniform hoop stress
it can be approximated as a flat plate subjected to a remotely applied uniform tension
as shown in the figure below. Then the stress intensity factor can be approximately
taken as

yy =

K I = yy a = 200 p0

0.05
(
) = 56.05 p0
2

yy

yy
The mode I fracture toughness of the material is K Ic = 5 MPa m .
Therefore, the maximum internal pressure that the cracked cylinder can withstand is
estimated as
K I = K Ic => 56.05 p0 = 5
Thus, p0 = 0.0892 MPa = 89.2 KPa
--- ANS
(2) Under a torque T (without internal pressure p 0 )
6.8.1

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The state of stress in the uncracked thin-walled cylinder is

xx = yy = 0 ,

q
T
T
=
=
= 31.83 T
2
t 2 At 2 ( 1 ) ( 0.005 )

N / m2

where is the shesr stress associated with the shear flow q along the wall
produced by the torque T. If there is a small longitudinal crack on the cylinder of a
larger diameter, then in region of the crack may be approximated by a flat plat
subjected to antisymmetric shear loading as shown in the figure below.

So this is a mode II fracture problem and the large plate solution for stress intensity
factor may be used. We have

K II = 0 a = 31.83T (

0.05
) = 8.92T
2

The mode II fracture toughness of the material is K IIc = 5MPa m .

Therefore, the maximum torque that the cracked cylinder can withstand is estimated
as
K II = K IIc => 8.92T = 5
Thus, the maximum torque is T = 0.56

MN m = 560

KN m

--- ANS

6.8.2

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6.9

Consider the thin-walled box beam in Fig. 6.17. The top wall contains a crack
parallel to the x-axis. The crack length is 0.02 m (i.e., a = 0.01m ). Assume that
the material is brittle and that modes I and II have the same toughness value of
5MPa m . If the box beam has already been subjected to a torque
T = 100kN m , estimate the maximum additional axial force N by using the
mixed mode fracture criterion.

Figure 6.17

Box of a rectangular thin-walled section

(w/ crack parallel to x-axis)

Solution:
(1) Under the torque T
Without the crack, a constant shear flow in the thin wall is produced by the torque and
in the top panel the state of uniform stress would be
T
100
xx = zz = 0 , xz =
=
= 20000kPa = 20 MPa ,
2 At 2(0.5)(0.005)
Since the crack is small as compared with the panel, the top panel with the crack can
be approximated as a large panel subjected to a remote shear stress condition as
depicted in the figure below.

6.9.1

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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This is a mode II fracture problem and the stress intensity factor can be approximated
by the expression for a crack in an infinite plate:

K II = xz a = 20 (0.01) = 3.545 MPa m

The mode II fracture toughness of the material is K IIc = 5 MPa m .

(2) Under the axial force N

xx = 0 , xz = 0

zz =

N
N
=
= 66.67 N
A 2(1 + 0.5)(0.005)

Pa

This is a mode I fracture problem. Again, using the large panel (relative to the crack
size) argument, we approximate the mode I stress intensity factor as

K I = zz a = 66.67 N (0.01) = 11.82 N

The mode I fracture toughness of the material is K Ic = 5 MPa m .

(3) Mix mode fracture criterion

KI

K Ic

K II
+
K IIc

= 1

6
11.82 N max 3.545 10

= 1
=>
+

6
6
5 10 5 10
2

=> N max = 298487 Newton

--- ANS

6.9.2

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6.10

Derive the strain energy (bending and shear together) per unit length of a
Timoshenko beam with a solid rectangular cross-section. The counterpart of
the simple beam theory is given by (6.26). Use this expression to derive the
mode I strain energy release rate for the split beam of Fig. 6.10. Compare the
Timoshenko beam solution with the simple beam solution. How long (in terms
of a / h ) does the crack length have to be for the simple beam solution to be
within 5 percent of the Timoshenko beam solution.

Figure 6.10

Loaded split beam

Solution:
The strain energy in a Timoshenko beam consists of two parts; one part is associated
with bending deformation and the other part is transverse shear deformation.
(1) Strain energy associated with bending deformation
M2
UM =
dx
(6.10.1)
0 2 EI
For this particular problem, M = Px in beams 1 and 2, and M = 0 in beam 3, and
L

I1 = I 2 =

th 3
12

U M1 = U M 2 =

( Px) 2
2P 2 a 3
dx
=
, UM3 = 0
th 3
Eth 3
2E( )
12

Thus, U M = U Mi =
i

4P 2 a 3
Eth 3

(2) Strain energy associated with transverse deformation

The strain energy density for the transverse shear deformation is
1
G
W = = 2
2
2
where is the transverse shear stress and is the transverse shear strain. By the

6.10.1

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Timoshenko beam theory, the transverse shear strain produced by the shear force V is

dw0
V
+ y =
dx
kGA

where k =

5
for the rectangular solid cross-section.
6

Then the total stain energy associated with the transverse shear deformation in a
Timoshenko beam is
U V = WdV =

L
G V 2
V2
dA
dx
=
(
)
A 2 kGA
0 2k 2 GA dx

(6.10.2)

For this particular problem, V = P in beams 1 and 2, and V = 0 in beam 3, and

A1 = A2 = th
UV1 = UV 2 =

( P) 2
18 P 2 a
dx
=
, UV 3 = 0
25Gth
2k 2 G (th)

Thus the total strain energy associated with the transverse shear deformation is
36 P 2 a
UV = UV 1 + UV 2 =
25Gth
(3) Total strain energy
Assume Poissons ratio = 0.3 , G =

E
= 0.385 E
2(1 + )

(a) Simple beam theory

4P 2 a 3
U Sim = U M =
( )
Et h
(b) Timoshenko beam theory
U Tim = U M + U V

U Tim =

(6.10.3)

a
P2 a
P2 a
4P2 a 3
36 P 2
( ) +
( ) = 4 ( )3 + 3.74 ( )
Et h
Et h
Et h
25(0.385E )t h

(6.10.4)
--- ANS

(4) Energy release rate G for the Timoshenko beam theory

1 dU
P 2a 2
P2
= 12 2 3 + 3.74 2
G=
t da
Et h
Et h
--- ANS
(5) The rate of
Let

a
within 5% error
h

a
= q , from (6.10.3) and (6.10.4), we have
h

Err =

U Tim U Sim
0.05 ,
U Tim

=>

3.744q
0.05
4q + 3.744q
3

6.10.2

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

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=> q 4.22 or 4.22 q 0

Since

a
a
= q is positive, we have
= q 4.22
h
h

--- ANS

6.10.3

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6.11

Compare the plastic zone sizes for plane strain mode I fracture at failure in Al
2024-T651 and Al 7075-T651.

Solution:
The plastic zone size under plane strain is
rp = (1 2 )

KI

2 Y

(6.11.1)

(1) For Al 2024-T651 ( = 0.33 )

The plane strain toughness is K Ic = 24MPa m ,
and the yield stress is Y = 415MPa .
At failure, the plastic zone is
rp = (1 2 ) 2

K Ic
(24) 2
2
=
(
1

0
.
33
)
= 6.153 10 5 m = 0.062 mm
2
2

2
(
415
)
2 Y

--- ANS
(2) For Al 7075-T651 ( = 0.33 )
The plane strain toughness is K Ic = 29MPa m ,
and the yield stress is Y = 505MPa .
The plastic zone is
2

K Ic
( 29) 2
2
rp = (1 2 )
= (1 2 0.33)
= 6.067 10 5 m = 0.061 mm
2
2
2 (505)
2 Y
2

--- ANS
The plastic zone sizes for plane strain mode I fracture at failure in Al 2024-T651 and
Al 7075-T651 are almost identical.

6.11.1

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6.12

A center-cracked thin Al 2024-T651 flat panel with a very large width-to-crack

length ratio is subjected to uniform remote tensile stress. The initial crack
length is 50 mm and it grows to 55 mm when the applied load reaches the
maximum value of 136 MPa. Determine the fracture toughness using Irwins
plastic zone adjustment method. Is the crack length valid for this method?

Solution:
By using Irwins plastic zone adjustment method, the fracture toughness can be
characterized by KI evaluated at a eff which is
aeff = a0 + rp

where a0 = 27.5 mm. Since rp depends on K I , which in turn depends on a eff , the
determination of a eff requires a few iterations. We start with
K I = 0 a 0 = 136 (0.0275) = 39.97 MPa m
The plastic zone under plane stress is

rp1 =

KI

2 Y

(136) 2 0.0275
= 1.477 10 3 m
2
2 (415)

The effective crack length is obtained as

a eff 1 = a 0 + rp1 = 0.02898m

Then we can compute the new stress intensity factor by using the new effective crack
length, that is
K I ( eff )1 = 0 a eff 1 = 136 (0.02898) = 41.04 MPa m

Thus, the new plastic zone is

rp 2 =

K I ( eff )1
2 y

(39.123866) 2
= 1.556 10 3 m
2 (415) 2

It produces the new effective crack length

a eff 2 = a 0 + rp 2 = 0.02906 m

In the same manner, after 5 iterations we obtain the converged values of

a eff = 0.029060425 m = 0.291 m

K I ( eff ) = 41.1 MPa m

This is the fracture toughness obtained using Irwins plastic zone adjustment

6.12.1

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

C.T. Sun

method.
r p = 0.001560466 m = 0.00156 m

Since

rp 0.00156
=
= 0.057 < 0.1 , this crack is valid for Irwins method.
a0
0.0275
--- ANS

6.12.2

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

C.T. Sun

6.13

The split beam of Fig. 6.10 is subjected to a pair of cyclic opening forces P
with

Pmin = 0

Pmax = 2000 N ,

The initial crack length a 0 is 40 mm. The material is 2024-T651 Al, and
t = 2 10 2 m , h = 1 10 2 m . The crack growth rate is given by

da
= 1.6 10 11 (K I ) 3.59 m / cycle
dN

in which K I is in MPa m . Find the number of cycles to failure (at which

the crack becomes unstable under the load Pmax ). Assume that the plane strain
condition exists.

Figure 6.10

Loaded split beam

Solution:
Assume a plane strain fracture condition so that
GI =

1 2
2
KI
E

(6.13.1)

Since the strain energy release rate for the split beam is
GI =

P2a2
tEI

(6.13.2)

Comparing (6.13.1) and (6.13.2), we have

KI =
2

P2a2
(1 2 )tI

(6.13.3)

For this problem, we have

Pmax = 2000 N , Pmin = 0 ,

6.13.1

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

C.T. Sun

th 3
= 1.6667 10 9 m 4
t = 2 10 m , h = 1 10 m => I =
12
2

For the material of 2024-T651 Al,

Plane strain toughness K Ic = 24MPa m , and E = 72GPa , = 0.33

When K I = K Ic = 24MPa m , the crack becomes unstable under the load Pmax .
Thus, using all the numerical values in (6.13.3) and setting K I = K Ic , we obtain the
crack length ac at which fracture occurs. We have
a c = (1 2 )tI

K Ic
24 10 6
= (1 0.33 2 )(0.02)(1.6667 10 9 )
Pmax
2000

= 0.0654m = 65.4mm

For the given cyclic loading

K I =

Pmax a
(1 )tI
2

2000 a
(1 0.33 )(0.02)(1.6667 10 9 )
2

= 366.964a MPa m

The crack growth rate is given by

da
= 1.6 10 11 ( K I ) 3.59 = 1.6 10 11 (366.964a ) 3.59 = 0.0257702 a 3.59
dN

=>

da
= 0.0257702 dN
a 3.59

Integrating the above differential equation, we have

a 13.59 ac
| a = 0.0257702 N
1 3.59 0
Substituting a 0 = 0.04m and a c = 0.0654m in the equation above, we find the
number of cycles to failure, N = 45045 cycles .
--- ANS

6.13.2

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

C.T. Sun

6.14

Consider Example 6.6. Instead of a static torque, a cyclic torque with

Tmin = 0

Tmax = 0.1 MN m ,

is applied. The Paris law for the material is

da
= 5 10 11 ( K I ) 3 m/cycle.
dN

Find the number of cycles for the crack of initial length a 0 = 0.01m to grow
to a length a = 0.02m .

Solution:
The maximum crack opening stress is 1(max) .

Since the member is under pure

torsion, 1(max) = max in which max can be determined by

Tmax = 2 At max = 0.1 MN m

=> max =
and

Tmax

0 .1
= 20 MPa
2 (0.5 1) 0.005

2 At
min = 0 MPa

Therefore, 1 = 20 0 = 20 MPa

Now, the Paris fatigue model for the material is

da
= 5 10 11 (K I ) 3 m/cycle.
dN

=>

da
= 5 10 11 (K I ) 3 = 5 10 11 ( 1 a ) 3
dN

=>

da
= 5 10 11 ( 20 ) 3 dN
3/ 2
a

(6.14.1)

The number of cycles (N) required for a crack to grow from ao to a is then obtained
from integrating (6.14.1),
a

da
3
11
a a 3 / 2 = 0 5 10 (20 ) dN
0
=> N =

a 01 / 2 a 1 / 2
1
5 10 11 (20 ) 3
2

= 897936 (a01 / 2 a 1 / 2 )

For a crack grown from ao = 0.01m to a = 0.02m, the number of cycle required is

6.14.1

Mechanics of Aircraft structures

C.T. Sun

N = 897936 (a 01 / 2 a 1 / 2 ) = 2630000
= 2.63 10 6

cycles
--- ANS

6.14.2