Stress field solution
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Great — I see the exam-style fracture mechanics questions in the image. Let’s go
through them one by one.
Q1. Using special Westergaard function derive stress field solution
We are given the Westergaard stress function:
φ = 5 ℜ Z(z) − y ℑ Zˉ
For a plate with a central crack of length 2a, subjected to biaxial loading.
Steps & assumptions (sketch):
1. Westergaard’s complex stress function:
For crack problems, stresses can be expressed using complex potential φ(z)
such that
σx + σy = 2ℜ[φ′ (z)],
σy − σx + 2iτxy = 2 (zˉ φ′′ (z) + ψ ′ (z))
2. For a central crack in biaxially loaded infinite plate, the solution is obtained using
superposition of two cases:
Remote stress σx along crack plane.
Remote stress σy normal to crack plane.
3. Crack tip stress field: Near the crack tip at r → 0, stresses follow the singularity
form:
KI I KII II
σij (r, θ) = fij (θ) + fij (θ) + ⋯
2πr 2πr
4. For mode-I in biaxial loading:
KI = σy πa,
KII = σx πa
5. Stress field solution near crack tip:
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KI θ θ 3θ KII θ θ 3θ
σxx = cos (1 − sin sin )+ sin (2 + cos cos )
2πr 2 2 2 2πr 2 2 2
KI θ θ 3θ KII θ θ 3θ
σyy = cos (1 + sin sin )+ sin cos cos
2πr 2 2 2 2πr 2 2 2
KI θ θ 3θ KII θ θ 3θ
τxy = cos sin cos + cos (1 − sin sin )
2πr 2 2 2 2πr 2 2 2
Final result:
Stress field is governed by stress intensity factors KI , KII .
For central crack in biaxially loaded plate:
KI = σy πa,
KII = σx πa
👉 Do you want me to work out Q2 and Q3 fully with numerical substitution (using
given fracture toughness, yield strength, etc.), or just outline the method as I did for
Q1?
yes do question 2 and 3
awesome — let’s finish Q2 and Q3.
2) Hook (AISI 4340), find fracture load P
Given/geometry
Rectangular section: width = w (mm), depth = 2c = 5w (mm) ⇒ h = 5w, b = w
Lever arm d = 20w (mm) (see figure)
Edge crack of length a at the tensile surface
KIC = 80 MPa m
Use KI = β σ πa (single-edge surface crack in tension/bending).
Take a reasonable geometry factor β ≈ 1.12 (common for a shallow edge
crack).
Nominal bending stress at the cracked section
Cantilever with end load P : M = P d.
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For a rectangular section I = bh3 /12 = w(5w)3 /12 = (125/12)w4 , y = h/2 =
2.5w
My P d (2.5w) 4.8 P
σ= = = (MPa if P in N)
I (125/12)w4 w2
KIC
Fracture condition KIC = β σ πa ⇒ σ =
β πa
Combine to solve for P :
KIC w2
P = (N)
β πa 4.8
(use a in metres, w in mm, KIC in MPa m)
Plug-in results (leave w as your last two roll-number digits, in mm):
(i) a = 2 mm (0.002 m)
80 w2
Pa=2 ≈ = 3.75 × 103 w2 N
1.12 π(0.002) 4.8
(ii) a = 6 mm (0.006 m)
80 w2
Pa=6 ≈ = 2.17 × 103 w2 N
1.12 π(0.006) 4.8
(If you want numbers: insert your w in mm; e.g., w = 30 ⇒ Pa=2 ≈ 169 kN,
Pa=6 ≈ 98 kN.)
Scientific comments: P ∝ w2 (very sensitive to section width) and P ∝ 1/ a
(fracture load drops with a). A modest increase in crack length from 2→6 mm
reduces P by ~ 3 for the same w . Choice of β slightly shifts numbers but not the
trends.
3) Cracked plate — yielding vs fracture capacity
Plate: 100 × 60 × 20 mm, axial load.
Before cracking: P = 150 kN.
Gross area A = 60 × 20 = 1200 mm2 .
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Centroidal/nominal stress (uncracked):
P 150 000
σ= = = 125 MPa.
A 1200
Introduce a single edge crack: a = 6 mm from one long side, parallel to the load;
remaining ligament = W − a = 60 − 6 = 54 mm.
(a) Load to make the whole remaining ligament yield
= t(W − a) = 20 × 54 = 1080 mm2 .
Net area Anet
With σy = 260 MPa:
Pyield = σy Anet = 260 × 1080 ≈ 2.81 × 105 N = 281 kN
(b) Maximum load by fracture mechanics
For a single-edge crack in a finite-width plate in tension:
KI = σ πa F ( Wa ) ,
F (x) = 1.12 − 0.231x + 10.55x2 − 21.72x3 + 30.39x4
Here W = 60 mm, a = 6 mm ⇒ x = 0.1, F ≈ 1.184.
Set KI = KIC = 120 MPa m to find limiting nominal stress σ , then load P = σW t:
KIC 120
Pfracture = Wt ≈ (60)(20) ≈ 8.86 × 105 N = 886 kN
F πa 1.184 π(0.006)
Conclusion for Q3
Under 150 kN the (uncracked) nominal stress is 125 MPa.
With the 6 mm edge crack:
Load for full ligament yield ≈ 281 kN.
Fracture limit ≈ 886 kN.
Governing capacity = lower of the two ⇒ about 281 kN.
The plate will yield plastically across the net section well before it becomes K -
controlled fracture-critical at this crack size.
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Perfect, let’s work through Q4 and Q5.
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Q4. Short theory
(i) Plane stress vs plane strain
Plane stress:
– Thin plates, stresses only in-plane (σx , σy , τxy ).
– Out-of-plane stress (σz ) ≈ 0.
– Common in sheet metals, thin components.
Plane strain:
– Very thick bodies, deformation restrained in one direction.
– Out-of-plane strain (εz ) = 0.
– Out-of-plane stress σz = 0.
– Typical in thick plates, earth dams, tunnels.
(ii) Leonardo da Vinci experiment (wires under load)
He observed failure load ∝ length of the wire (not diameter alone).
Concluded: Strength depends on size/scale; longer wires fail under lower loads
per unit area.
This is an early recognition of size effect and flaw sensitivity, which fracture
mechanics formalizes.
(iii) Engineering stress–strain vs true stress–strain
Engineering stress–strain:
σe = P /A0 , εe = ΔL/L0 .
Based on original area & length. Shows yield point, UTS, necking, fracture.
True stress–strain:
σt = P /Ainst , εt = ln(L/L0 ).
Accounts for instantaneous cross-section shrinkage and elongation.
Gives continuous hardening curve until fracture.
(iv) Aim of fracture mechanics
To predict failure of structures with cracks/defects, beyond classical strength-
of-materials.
Provides quantitative measure via stress intensity factor K , energy release rate
G, J-integral.
Helps establish safe design, inspection, and life prediction.
(v) Why structures fail in real life
Presence of microscopic flaws.
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Stress concentrations around holes/notches.
Material inhomogeneity, fatigue, creep, corrosion, overload.
Scale effect (larger structures more flaw-sensitive).
Q5. Inglis solution – crack tip singularity
(i) Elliptic hole
For an elliptical hole with semi-axes: a = major half-axis = 6 mm, b = minor half-axis
= 2 mm.
Inglis solution:
a
σmax = σ∞ (1 + 2 )
b
a 6
= = 3 ⇒ σmax = 7σ∞
b 2
So maximum stress is 7 times remote stress.
(ii) Equivalent sharp crack
If instead of ellipse → sharp through crack of length 2a = 12 mm.
Near-tip stress field:
KI
σxx (r, 0) ≈
2πr
with KI = σ∞ πa.
At distance r = 2 mm:
σ∞ πa a
σ(r = 2) = = σ∞
2πr 2r
Insert a = 6 mm, r = 2 mm:
6
σ(r = 2) = σ∞ = σ∞ 1.5 = 1.225σ∞
4
(iii) Equivalent stress distance
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We want distance r ∗ from crack tip where stress = same as max stress at ellipse
(7σ∞):
σ∞ πa
= 7σ∞
2πr∗
a a
=7 ⇒ r∗ =
2r∗ 98
With a = 6 mm:
6
r∗ = ≈ 0.061 mm
98
✅ Final results for Q5:
Max stress at elliptical hole: 7σ∞.
At 2 mm from sharp crack tip: 1.225σ∞.
Same stress as elliptical hole (7σ∞) occurs at distance ≈0.061 mm from crack
tip.
Would you like me to also sketch stress distribution diagrams for Q4 and Q5
(engineering vs true stress–strain, Inglis solution stress profile) so you can directly
use them in an exam answer?
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