Elastic and plastic parts of strain energy density in critical distance determination

This paper focuses on critical distance behavior by modeling a mode I fracture of single-edge-notched bend and compact specimens. Solution of this problem requires the consideration of the influence specimen configuration and the dimensionless crack length. To this end the total strain energy density accounting for both elastic and plastic parts is employed. An assessment of these components contribution has shown that the plastic part is prevalent and the elastic T stress has no significant effect on the critical distance. Correlation between separation at material decohesion and critical distance based on the cohesive model and the strain energy density is found. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.