ABSTRACT
Abstract The crack tip strain distributions obtained by the grating method made on compact tension (CT) specimens under the conditions of ductile fracture mechanics are compared with calculations performed by the finite element method (FEM). Due to the influence of the specimen thickness three-dimensional calculations become necessary if crack propagation in an elastic-plastic body is simulated. Damage development in the plastic zone at the crack front affects the crack extension process and has to be considered during a numerical analysis. Using constitutive equations which pay regard to damage, calculations by the finite element method can be done without applying fracture criteria. First results are presented. Keywords: cracks, crack propagation, damage, ductile fracture, finite element method, grating method, size effects, strain distribution.
