A Review on Crack Propagation in 2D Small Scale Yielding under Constant and Variable Spectrum Loading

The objective of this paper is to provide a review of work covering the effects of constraint in two-dimensional (2D) small scale yielding models of fatigue crack growth under constant and variable spectrum loading. It considers crack propagation and retardation models developed to understand crack propagation processes. The paper also treats numerical 2D finite element method models used to determine the crack opening and closure stress intensity factors. Also presented are procedures used to determine the crack opening and closure under variable amplitude loading.