Investigating Crack Growth in Aluminum-alumina Functionally Graded Materials

In this research study, fracture behavior of Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) is investigated. The FGM is supposed to be formed of aluminum and alumina. For experimental purposes, four point bending test was used. The results were then compared by finite element analysis. Maximum Tangential Stress (MTS), 〖(K_II)〗_min and Gradient Equivalent Stress (GES) criteria were used to estimate crack initiation angles. Stress Intensity Factors (SIF’s) were extracted from J-Integral parameters. MTS and 〖(K_II)〗_min criteria show good agreement with experimental results, however GES method does not confirm with experimental results. The numerically calculated crack direction shows good consistency with fractured specimens.