Deflection-Penetration Criterion in defect ridden slanted interfaces: A
continuum scale study in 2D Fracture Mechanics and 3D printable models
Abstract
This paper presents a deeper understanding of the effect of interface
orientation and varying defect density within the interface on toughness
in 2D media. Our study focuses on a pre-deflected crack that has a
majority of its length parallel to the line of symmetry in the
horizontal direction, with a small deflected region present in the
interface, perpendicular to the line of symmetry. We vary the interface
orientation at varying angles with 0 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25,
30, 37.5, 45, and 50. For all of the theta , we initially create 10
increments of interface properties, and within each of these
combinations, we vary the defect densities ranging from 5 defects to 15
defects. Previous results have shown that higher defect densities in the
interface region lead to an overall higher material toughness, while in
turn making the interface weaker, allowing for cracks to propagate and
deflect with the help of the defects. In this paper, we hope to
understand 4 main ideas, (i) How do higher interface angle orientations
vs lower angle orientations affect the deflection-penetration criterion?
(ii) What is the effect of higher variations vs lower variations of
defect densities on the deflection-penetration when faced with differing
angles? (iii) How do the Elastic Energy and Stress fields react to
changes within the angle of the interface? (iv) Can we recreate the
computational results with 3D printable models through tensile testing?
Overall, it is quiet clear that in terms of material toughness and
stress concentration at the crack tip, the higher angle cases are a
clear benefit to the toughness of the material; however, when
considering the elastic energy and time needed for failure, the lower
angled cases showcase a more preferable case.