Author(s)

S. Meltings, J. Baynham & R.A.Adey

Abstract

In this paper, a new method is presented for the automatic growth of edge cracks in three-dimensional fracture analysis using BEM. The procedure described overcomes the current problems with crack growth analysis that currently has to be performed manually. Applications are presented which demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique. 1 Introduction The analysis of cracks within structures is an important application if the damage tolerance and life of structures and components are to be predicted. Often cracks cannot be avoided in structures, however the fatigue life of the structure depends on the location and size of these cracks. In order to predict the fatigue life for any component, a crack growth study needs to be performed. The boundary element method is an ideal solution for performing crack growth analys

Keywords