The fracture mechanics of cantilever beams with an embedded sharp crack under end force loading

For beams containing a horizontal crack, i.e., cracks aligned with the beam axis, the simulation results suggests that such cracks are dominated by Mode II conditions at both crack tips regardless of its length and crack location in the beam. The findings of this study along with other related results regarding the deformation of a beam with an embedded horizontal crack form the foundation for the development of analytical models capable of capturing the overall deformation as well as the near-tip fracture characteristics of such cracked structures. In addition, the findings can assist in furthering our understanding of delamination processes in laminate systems and in developing model and non-model methods for damage and crack detection.