Resistance curves for mixed mode interface crack growth between dissimilarelastic-plastic solids

For crack growth along an interface joining two elastic-plastic solids resi stance curves are analysed numerically, under conditions of small scale yie lding. As mismatch of elastic properties is accounted for, the correspondin g oscillating stress singularity fields are applied as boundary conditions on the outer edge of the region analysed. The fracture process is represent ed in terms of a cohesive zone model, for which the work of separation per unit area and the peak stress required for separation are basic parameters. Effects of different kinds of mismatch between the two materials are analy sed, including cases where the substrate remains elastic as well as cases w here both materials yield plastically. For all the cases studied it is show n that plastic flow near the crack tip results in much larger resistance to crack growth when mode II conditions dominate at the crack tip than when m ode I conditions dominate. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.