Determination of stretch zone width using fem

The study addresses numerical determination of stretch zone width and its critical value. The proposed method is based on the highly deformed stretch zone that is defined as stretch zone width, expected to be better than the half of the crack tip opening distance which inturn determined using 45° line method. The investigation essentially comprises a number of finite element analyses of compact tension test, using tensile test data. The proposed methodology also provides insight into the mechanism involved in the creation of stretch zone.