Threshold crack growth behavior of shear and tensile cracks

Crack-face interference-free mode I and mode II crack-growth data was combined with smooth axial (λ = εxy/εxx = 0) and torsional (λ = ∞) endurance limit data to develop unified crack growth models that incorporate both shear and tensile cracking. The crack growth models incorporated growth from a slip band (including short crack behavior) size crack until the final failure of a long crack, and the ability to switch between crack growth on shear planes to growth on tensile planes. The models successfully predicted smooth specimen crack-face interference-free fatigue lives and gave reasonable estimates of the smooth specimen endurance limits of crack-face interference free tubular tests run at intermediate strain ratios (λ = 3/4, 3/2, and 3). The series of Kitigawa–Takahashi (threshold fatigue) diagrams developed from the models help illustrate the competition between shear and tensile cracking at the fatigue limit under crack-face interference-free crack growth.

► Shear/tensile plane cracking studied in SAE 1045 smooth specimen biaxial fatigue.
► Short/long crack models predicted specimen fatigue lives and endurance limits.
► Shear/tensile crack growth models qualitatively predicted max shear crack lengths.
► Computed threshold fatigue diagrams compare shear/tensile cracking at fatigue limit.