Author(s)

M.M. Abdel Wahab & G. de Roeck

Abstract

Strain energy release rate calculation from 3-D singularity finite elements M.M. Abdel Wahab, G. de Roeck Department of Civil Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium ABSTRACT Two expressions for the strain energy release rate for three- dimensional singularity finite elements are derived based on the Irwin's virtual crack closure method. The strain energy release rate for the three modes of fracture mechanics can be separately calculated from the nodal forces ahead of the crack front and the opening displacements behind it. The material is assumed to be isotropic. The stress distribution is written in terms of the eight nodal forces of the crack front element, and the crack opening displacement function is expressed in terms of the nodal opening displacement behind the crack front. The derived formula is a bit complicated because it involves eight nodal forces and five opening displacements. Therefore, a modification is ma

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