The Relationship Between Stress Intensity Factor, Crack Opening Displacement and J-Integral in Zr-2.5 Percent Nb

Abstract

Crack opening displacement (COD) has been determined in Zr-2.5 percent Nb over a wide range of applied stress intensity, K. Prior to initiation of crack extension, COD was determined from measurements of stretch zones in specimens which had undergone hydrogen-induced, sub-critical crack growth. In post initiation measurements (during slow stable crack extension), COD was determined from crack face displacement. Both methods were self consistent and depended on the plastic-zone-corrected K in accordance with the Wells equation. The J-integral was also determined during stable crack extension using the method of Garwood, et al. The results are consistent with the COD measurements based on theoretical relationships between the two crack tip parameters.