Author(s)

M. Beghini & L. Bertini

Abstract

An edge crack subjected to a stress producing closure near the surface is considered. A method based on the Weight Function is proposed which allows to obtain accurate solutions both for contact stress and displacement in a very efficient way. Three different simplified models are then proposed which allow to further simplify the solution with accuracy acceptable in many practical situations. The application of these methods to more complex conditions is briefly discussed. 1 Introduction If a crack is present in a partially compressive stress field (produced by external loading or residual stresses) contact phenomena between crack edges may arise. In these conditions the effect of the contact has to be properly accounted for in order to evaluate the Stress Intensity Factor (SIF or

Keywords