Abstract
The finite element method is applied to two-dimensional elastic-plastic analyses for underclad crack problems. The analyses are performed rectangular specimens with an underclad crack, which are composed of A533B class 1 steel and a clad material, to obtain the fracture mechanics parameter J-integral and the stress distribution ahead of a crack tip. The Q-factor proposed by O'Dowd and Shih is calculated from the stress distribution ahead of a crack tip, and the constraint effect of a crack tip due to a clad material or the effect of a clad material on the fracture toughness of a base material is discussed in terms of Q-factor. Clad thickness, crack length and the material property of a clad material are varied to examine their effects.
