The Method of Caustics in Environmental Cracking

Authors

E. E. Gdoutos, Michigan Technological University
Elias C. Aifantis, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1986

Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

Abstract

A simple and powerful crack growth criterion under combined environmental conditions and applied loads is formulated for mixed-mode situations based on the method of caustics. It is established that the axis of symmetry of the caustic represents the crack growth direction, while the crack growth condition is expressed in terms of the diameter of the caustic. Caustics can easily be obtained by illuminating the specimen in the vicinity of the crack tip by a laser light beam and recording the optical pattern on a viewing screen at some distance from the specimen. An elegant procedure for the experimental study of environmental cracking is thus developed.

Publisher's Statement

© 1986

Publication Title

Engineering Fracture Mechanics

Recommended Citation

Gdoutos, E., & Aifantis, E. C. (1986). The Method of Caustics in Environmental Cracking. Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 23(2), 423-430. http://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7944(86)90084-6
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/5251