A Probabilistic Analysis of the Brittle Fracture Loci under Bi-axial Stress State : 1st Report, in the case of tension being dominant

Abstract

Most of the previous theories about brittle fracture, based on the weakest link theory, ignore the effects of shear stresses. In this paper, on the contrary, more general multiaxial distribution functions are formulated taking into consideration both the normal and shear stresses and assuming straight surface cracks and penny-shaped cracks. Using new multiaxial distribution functions, the brittle fracture loci under bi-axial stress state are analysed.