Analytical Solutions of Crack Tip Plasticity Zone Shape for a Semi-Infinite Crack

In this work, closed-form analytical solutions for the plasticity zone shape at the lip of a semi-infinite crack are developed. The material is assumed isotropic with a linear elastic-perfectly plastic constitution. The solutions have been developed for the cases of plane stress and plane strain. The three crack modes, mode I, II and III have been considered. Finally, prediction of the plasticity zone extent has been performed for both the Von Mises and Tresca yield criterion. Significant differences have been found between the plane stress and plane strain conditions, as well as between the three crack modes’ solutions. Also, significant differences have been found when compared to classical plasticity zone calculations using the Irwin approach.