Failure Analysis of a Polygonal Void with an Oxide Layer in a Cracked Matrix

An oxide layer can commonly be found between a void in and the matrix of metal materials subjected to remote mechanical loading. This paper presents an evaluation of the failure behavior of a polygonal nano-void surrounded by an oxide layer in an infinite cracked matrix under a remote anti-plane load. Based on the complex variable, conformal mapping and analytical continuation with alternating methods, the stress functions are obtained in series form and the mode-III stress intensity factors (SIFs) are derived. The results indicate that a softer oxide layer (zirconia) would cause a higher SIF compared to a stiffer oxide layer (alumina). The results of this investigation provide a quantitative description of the effects of an oxide layer and inform an optimum design method for metal forming.