On the number of overload-induced delay cycles as a function of thickness

In this paper, a brief review of the experimental facts associated with the crack growth delay period following a tensile overload is given. In the retardation process, crack closure is considered to play a dominant role. A scenario for the two crack opening processes which develop as a fatigue crack penetrates the overload plastic zone is presented. This scenario deals with the effect of specimen thickness on the crack opening processes. Consideration is given to the delay distance and to the minimum crack growth rate. A method of analysis for the determination of the number of delay cycles following an overload is then developed. Finally the method of analysis is used to compare with recent experimental results. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.