Crack Growth Path in Specimens with Rectangular Section under Bending with Torsion

The paper presents the results of tests on the fatigue crack growth rate for a constant moment amplitude under combined bending with torsion in the aluminium alloy AlCuMg1. The tests were performed under different values of the stress ratio R. Plane specimens with stress concentrators in form of the external one-sided sharp notch were tested. The results of experiments were described on graphs of the fatigue crack growth rate versus changes of the stress intensity factor range ΔK. A non-uniform fatigue cracks growth on both lateral surfaces of specimens was observed during experimental tests.