Fracture mechanics characterization in fatigue of C45 steel beyond pure mode I loading

The thesis aims to analyze the fracture behavior of the C45 material, examining different loading conditions. In the first place, the study focuses on the behavior of the material subjected to Mode I opening. Subsequently, the investigation is extended to the interaction between cracks and geometric discontinuities, with particular attention to the phenomenon of crack-hole interaction. A further study concerns mixed modes, analyzing the influence of inclined notches on crack propagation. Finally, the response of the material to Mode I stresses in compression is examined, in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the fracture behavior of C45 steel.