Fracture resistance curve over the complete mixed-mode I and II range for 5083 aluminum alloy

This study investigated experimentally the fracture resistance for aluminum alloy 5083-H112 specimens over the complete range of mixed-mode I and II loadings. The determination of the amount of crack extension utilized two approaches, the compliance method for opening-type specimens and the striation markings for shear-type specimens. The post-test examination on the fracture surfaces validated these two methods. The increase in mode II loading elevates the fracture resistance curve for mode I dominant specimens, but reduces subsequently the fracture resistance as the mode-mixity transforms the fracture mode from the opening-type to the shear-type.

► This study presents J–R curves derived from single mixed-mode I and II specimens. ► The paper validates a new method to determine Δa in mode II dominant aluminum specimens. ► This paper extends the compliance method to measure Δa in mode I dominant specimens.