On the micromechanical theories of stressinduced cleavage microcracking in crystalline solids

• Published in: Engineering fracture mechanics Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 215 - 230
• Main Authors: Sarfarazi, M., Ghosh, S.K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 1987
• ISSN: 0013-7944; 1873-7315
• DOI: 10.1016/0013-7944(87)90170-6

This paper is entirely dedicated to the subject of cleavage microfracture in crystalline solids at non-elevated temperatures. The significance of microcracking in determining the mechanical and fracture characteristics of crystalline solids is outlined. The micromechanics of stress-induced microcracking in polycrystals is reviewed, which occurs as a result of heterogeneous plasticity, due to dislocation pile-up at the grain boundaries. Alternative mechanisms of microcracking mostly pertinent to the cases of fracture of single crystals by the intersecting slip or twin bands, or through splitting of the dislocation walls, are also considered. Included is also a discussion of the fracture of polyphase crystalline solids.