T-stress effects on crack kinking in Finite Fracture Mechanics

•We investigate T-stress effects on mixed-mode brittle fracture in cracked elements.•The analysis is based on a Finite Fracture Mechanics approach.•Both the critical kinking angle and the critical SIF, resulting the failure parameters, are estimated.•A different definition of dimensionless T-stress can be adopted depending on which mode prevails.•The criterion is validated by comparing its predictions with experimental data.

Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFM) is a coupled criterion based on the contemporaneous fulfilment of the energy balance and a proper stress requirement. When dealing with mixed-mode brittle fracture of cracked elements, T-stress affects both the conditions. In the present work, the problem is investigated as the mode mixity varies. Results are provided in terms of the critical stress intensity factors and the critical kinking angle, by referring to two different definitions of dimensionless T-stress, depending on which mode (I or II) dominates. This novel approach is validated by a comparison with PMMA experimental data available in the Literature.