Mode Mixity in the Fracture Toughness Evaluation of Heat-Affected-Zone Material Using SEN(T) Experiment
Abstract SEN(T) specimens provide good similitude for surface cracks (SC) in pipes, where a SC structure has lower constraint condition than typically used fracture toughness specimens such as SEN(B) , and C(T). Additionally, the SENT specimen eliminates concern of material anisotropy since the crack growth direction in the SENT is the same as in a surface-cracked pipe. While the existing recommended and industrial practices for SEN(T) have been developed based on assumption of homogenous or mono-material across the crack, their applicability for the evaluation of fracture toughness of heat-affected-zone (HAZ) were evaluated in this investigation. When conducting tests on SEN(T) specimens with prescribed notch/crack in the HAZ, the asymmetric deformation around the crack causes the occurrence of a combination of Mode-I (crack opening) and Mode-II (crack in-plane shearing) behavior. This mode mixity affects the measurement of the crack-tip-opening-displacement (CTOD) and evaluation of elastic-plastic fracture mechanics parameter, J. The CTOD-R curve depicts the change in toughness with crack growth, in a manner similar to the J-R curve methodology. The experimental observations of Mode-I and Mode-II behavior seen in tests of SEN(T) specimens with notch/crack in the HAZ and as the crack propagates through the weld/HAZ thickness were investigated. The issues related to and the changes needed to account for such behavior for the development of recommended practices or standards for SEN(T) testing of weld/HAZ are addressed.