Effect of void location on crack-void interaction in plastically compressible hardening solids

This study examines the interaction between crack and void in materials that undergo plastic deformation and volume changes under stress. It focuses on two specific void locations: one in the line of crack tip and the other at 45° with respect to the crack direction. The research involves two types of bilinear hardening solids subjected to mode I loading. Finite element finite deformation formulation along with a viscoplastic material model is used to simulate the deformation. To account for change in volume during deformation, a plastic compressibility parameter is introduced. The study investigates how factors such as crack-tip opening displacement, crack extension, void growth, and ligament length vary on application of load. The results show that the location of the void, plastic compressibility and hardening slope significantly influence the deformation of both the crack and the void. A void placed at an angle from the crack direction, such as at 45°, reduces the crack’s extension more as compared to the same when the void is located just in line of the crack-tip. The plastic compressibility also slows down the growth of crack and void. The hardening slope of material as well plays a key role in deformation behaviour under loading.