A Micro and Macro Approach to the Energy Dissipation Rate Model of Stable Ductile Crack Growth

The equations for the energy dissipation rate, D per unit area of crack growth, for plasticity and fracture combined, are presented for equilibrium crack extension in a real elastic‐plastic material. These relationships are a necessary condition for stable growth. The term D is identical to G for lefm and to the rate at which work is done for the rigid‐plastic limit. Crack growth is seen at both micro‐ and macro‐levels as a two stage process of damage accumulation in a process zone followed by actual separation as a micro‐instability at the crack tip. Some examples of the behaviour of ductile metals are cited in support at both micro‐ and macro‐level. For the fully plastic case, D reduces strongly with growth. Relationships with conventional rising R‐curves are stated for contained and uncontained yield.