A Crack Growth Rate Conversion Module: Theory, Development, User Guide and Examples

Abstract : The use of crack growth analysis tools based on plasticity-induced crack closure model, such as FASTRAN, CGAP and AFGROW, requires the conversion of crack growth rate versus the nominal stress intensity range curves to a 'single' curve of crack growth rate versus the effective stress intensity range. In order to minimise the error arising from crack growth rate conversion and judicially utilise these software tools, a user-friendly tool was integrated into CGAP. This report documents the theory, implementation, the user guide and examples of the crack growth rate conversion software module.