Energetic approach to predict the elliptical crack growth

The propagation of elliptical cracks that develop superficially under bending loads and bi-axial stresses is investigated using an energetic approach. At present, computational tools allow assessments to be made on fractured components through analyses based on fracture mechanics. Therefore, an approach is proposed to determine the geometric shape assumed by an evolving crack on the surface and in the bulk. Assuming a minimum energy criterion, the geometry of the crack during the propagation is addressed by this hypothesis. The objective of this work is to assess whether the prediction of elliptical advance (governed by varying axes ratio) is consistent with the experimental evidence.