Calculation of the Stress Intensity Factor in an Inclusion-Containing Matrix

The intent of this paper is to propose an engineering approach to estimate the stress intensity factor of a micro crack emerging from an inclusion in relation with the morphology of the inclusion and its relative stiffness with the matrix. A micromechanical model, based on the FEA (finite element analysis) of the behavior of cracks initiated at micro structural features such as inclusions, has been developed using LEFM (Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics) to predict the stress intensity factor of a micro crack emerging from an inclusion. Morphology of inclusions has important connotations in the development of the analysis. Stress intensity factor has been estimated from the FEA model for different crack geometries. Metallographic analysis of inclusions has been carried out to evaluate the typical inclusion geometry. It also suggests that micro cracks less than 1 μm behave differently than larger cracks.