Stress Intensity Factor Evaluation Using Singular Finite Elements
Abstract
The classical theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics proposes that the stress and energy field near a crack tip can be accurately evaluated by determining the stress intensity factors. Several recent investigations, however, have demonstrated the previously unrecognized importance of the higher-order terms also present in the series eigenfunction representation of the near-tip crack environment. The finite element method has been shown to quite effectively yield these higher-order coefficients, with the method previously utilized only to determine the first term of the series expansion (the stress intensity factor). By numerically evaluating the higher-order coefficients for several finite geometries, the near-tip environment has been shown to be much more sensitive to variations in these terms, than previously believed. This is a phenomenon that no accurate crack propagation study, regardless of specific propagation theory, should disregard without careful consideration, particularly because of the inherent accumulated error in any incremental propagation study.
Recommended Citation
L. B. Valla and T. F. Lehnhoff, "Stress Intensity Factor Evaluation Using Singular Finite Elements," Engineering Fracture Mechanics, Elsevier, Jan 1982.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7944(82)90133-3
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0013-7944
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 1982 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 1982
