Methodology for numerical assessment of stretch zone width under mixed mode I/III fracture

The numerical prediction of stretch zone width (SZW) under mixed mode condition is rarely reported in the literature. As in most practical situations structures experience complex loading resulting in mixed mode fracture, thus it is essential to establish a methodology for the numerical assessment of SZW under mixed mode fracture condition. Three dimensional non-linear FEM simulations were carried out to correlate numerical parameters with experimentally determined critical SZW and initiation fracture toughness. The present numerical investigation is able to explain the involved mechanism and numerically predicted SZW, critical SZW and initiation fracture toughness which compares well with experimental results.