On The Use Of Vector J-Integral In Crack Growth Criteria For Brittle Solids

In this paper the criterion for crack-growth in solids is investigated on the basis of the concept of potential energy release rate. The expressions for path-independent vector integral Ji (i = 1,2) are derived for brittle crack growth. The relationship is then established between the value of the path-independent vector integral Ji and the potential energy release rate for crack growth in an arbitrary orientation. This allows the prediction of crack re-orientation angles on the basis of the maximum energy release rate (MERR) criterion. The crack growth angle is determined analytically as a function of (). This result is compared with other theoretical formulations of crack growth criteria, as well as with experimental results reported in the literature, and good agreement is found. The formulation provides a rigorous basis for numerical modelling of the processes of crack initiation and propagation.