Abstract
The object of this paper is to experimentally assess the applicability of HRR solutions for the strain distribution in the near-tip field under the general yielding and stable crack growth. The measurement of strain components of a l.2mm thick SUS 430 stainless steel compact tension specimen was performed by using the Moire method. The phenomena of the formation of the "blunting strain gradient zone ( BSGZ )" defined by the authors are discussed by the comparison between the experimental results and analytical ones obtained by HRR formula. It is clear that the HRR solutions, except those in the BSGZ, are valid to evaluate the strains in the near-tip field of a ductile thin metal sheet under the general yielding and crack growth.
