Interacting Crazing Patterns Near the Tip in the Damage Zone of a Crack
The present paper investigates interactions between a main crack and a surrounding layer of crazing patterns. Analysis of the stress field distribution as well as the energy induced during these interactions is based on the resolution of some equations along with appropriate boundary conditions and the use of a numerical approach. The effect of amplification and shielding on the resulting stress field is shown through a study of mode I Stress Intensity Factor (SIF). Besides, to quantify the effects of this damage on the main crack, it is shown that the Energy Release Rate (ERR) is defined as being a superposition of the energy released due to the linear propagation of the main crack as well as the one due to the translational change in the growth of the damage. It is also proven that crazes closer to the main crack dominate the resulting interaction effect and reflect an anti-shielding of the damage while a reduction constitutes a material toughness.