Influence of Crystal Grain on Stress Intensity Factor of Microstructurally Small Cracks

Abstract

If crack size is in the order of several grain diameters or smaller, the stress intensity factor (SIF), which brings about change in crack growth behavior, is affected by various factors caused by the grain. For example, kinks and bifurcations of cracks at grain boundary triple points vary the SIF when the crack runs along grain boundaries. The elastic anisotropy of crystals and inhomogeneous stress distribution at the microstructural level in a polycrystalline body also bring about changes in the SIF. In this paper, such influences of the crystal grain on the SIF are reviewed. Firstly, the SIF of kinked or branched cracks is outlined. Secondly, the SIF of cracks in an anisotropic body as well as inhomogeneous polycrystalline body is summarized. In particular, statistical changes in SIF are shown as a function of crack size. Finally, based on the results obtained, statistical changes in the SIF and their influence on the growth of the microstructurally-small-crack are discussed.