A numerical study of T-stress in dynamically loaded fracture specimens

The objective of this paper is to study the evolution of T-stress in dynami cally loaded fracture specimens. To this end, two-dimensional plane strain, elastodynamic finite element analyses of single edge notched (tension) spe cimens, and three point bend specimens subjected to time varying loads are performed. The T-stress is computed using an accurate and computationally e fficient domain representation of the interaction integral. The results dem onstrate that dynamically loaded specimens are subjected to a large negativ e T-stress during the early stages of loading as compared to that under sta tic loading. The above phenomenon can satisfactorily explain the strong ele vation in the dynamic fracture toughness at high loading rates, which has b een reported in numerous experimental studies. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.