Materials Science Forum, Vol.465-466, 415-420, 2004
Calculation of dynamic strain energy release rates due to shock wave loading
Welded structures, castings and forging components such as those found in armor fighting vehicles, shipboard structures or munitions systems are required to withstand intense and rapidly applied dynamic loading due to gun firings, impact of enemy munitions and extreme loading from accident scenarios. Inherent flaws are normally found to various extents in these structures depending on quality control of the fabrication processes. It is important to determine critical flaw sizes of three-dimensional cracks under quasi-static and shock wave loading introduced by the mentioned scenarios. Calculation of dynamic strain energy release rates of the three-dimensional flaws of different geometries at different locations is important for determination of crack growth evaluation, fracture and structural integrity assessment. This paper summarizes the methodology developed and results of the dynamic fracture parameter calculations for stationary three-dimensional cracks in cracked structures subjected to both static and dynamic loads.