Review of New Developments in Crack Propagation Studies

The application of fracture mechanics concepts to characterize crack growth at low and high temperatures under cyclic, creep, and creep-fatigue conditions is reviewed. The applicability and limitations of various fracture mechanics techniques in predicting cycle- and time-dependent crack growth are discussed. Also, applications of fracture mechanics to predict the fatigue life of various components and the behavior of cracks at near-threshold conditions are discussed with an emphasis given to the growth of small cracks.