Analysis of the Stress Intensity Factor Along the Thickness

This paper focus on calculating and analysis the load level, poisson's ratio and crack opening angle on the distribution of stress intensity factors along the thickness. The main objective is improving the understanding of small areas existing near the crack front. The work evaluates the finite element model of an Al 6061 specimen with no plastic wake effect introduced. The three-dimensional behaviour near the crack front is simulated through numerical analysis with ABAQUS code, and J-integral method is used to determinate the curves of K evolution along the thickness. The results were studied according to a series of parameters characterizing the curves.