Mixed mode fatigue crack growth is analysed using Sih's strain energy density approach. A centre crack panel geometry loaded under uni-axial cyclic tension is considered. The crack angle is varied from 30" to 90". A procedure for the determination of crack propagation life is outlined. The crack trajectory due to cyclic loading is predicted. The crack growth rate, the cyclic life and the cyclic life ratio are discussed, for an aluminium alloy and a steel, as a function of initial crack angle, crack length, stress amplitude, and the strain energy density factor. NomenclatureOpening, sliding and tearing mode stress intensity factors respectively Stress intensity factors in Sih's equation Threshold stress intensity factor Stress intensity factor range Stress range Stress range ratio, i.e. ~m i n /~, , , Crack growth increment Angle made by crack plane with loading axis Angle made by an infinitesimal element with crack plane Direction of crack growth w.r.t. crack plane Strain energy density factor Strain energy density factor range Shear modulus Poisson's ratio Variables in Sih's strain energy density factor equation Rate of fatigue crack propagation Constants in Paris equation

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