Author(s)

M.M. Abdel Wahab & G. De Roeck

Abstract

In one of our recent publications [1], a formula for the computation of the strain energy release rate from 3-D singularity finite elements was derived based on the Irwin's Crack Closure Integral (ICCI) method. In this paper, the stress intensity factors of embedded elliptical and semi-elliptical surface cracks in a finite thickness plate subjected to tension are calculated using this formula. Comparisons between the numerical results obtained using the formula and those from the literature [2,3] showed that the proposed technique yields accurate stress intensity factors. 1 Introduction Problems of embedded elliptical cracks and semi-elliptical surface cracks are of great importance in the field of fracture mechanics. The case of a semi- elliptical surface crack is more complicated than that of the embedded ellipt

Keywords