Stress Intensity Factors by Calibrated Finite Element Method

Abstract

It is well established that the prediction and, thus, prevention of catastrophic crack propagation can be based on linear sharp crack fracture mechanics. A method is presented herein for the computation of K_I, the Mode I stress intensity factor. The extension of this method to nonsymmetrical crack configurations will also be described. Although other finite element methods exist, the particular merits of the proposed approach are seen as its use of standard programs and the ease with which it may be extended to other forms of singularity.