Interactive effect of multiple crack growth on fatigue

Interaction of multiple cracks are found in mud when drying and crazing, thin film varnishes or coatings of aeroengine turbine blades. A two-dimensional multiple crack interaction model is developed to simulate the growth of interacting parallel surface cracks. Density and the initial distribution of the microcracks are accounted for in analyzing the growth of a crack to a pre-determined length. Analytical predictions are discussed with reference to experimental observations of fatigue cracks on coated turbine blades. Introduction of a large density of similar cracks can enhance the fatigue life of structural components.