Solution of an inclined crack in a finite plane and a new criterion to predict fatigue crack propagation

The problem discussed in this work is that a finite square plane contains an inclined crack subjected to biaxial tensile loads. Based on the distributed dislocation method and Gauss-Chebyshev quadrature method, the expressions of the stress intensity factors (SIFs) and the stress components in the vicinity of the crack tip are determined. The results show that the finite square boundaries increase SIFs, and the SIFs at the crack tip change accordingly with the change of the crack angle. The theoretical derivation and the finite element simulation demonstrate a new criterion to predict crack propagating direction, namely, the fatigue crack will propagate along the direction where the amplitude of circumferential tensile stress (△σθ′) reaches its maximum.