DETERMINATION OF MIXED-MODE STRESS INTENSITY FACTORS USING A SEMIINFINITE CRACK MODEL

A semi-infinite crack model has been proved to be successful in accura tely determining the mode I stress intensity factors over a wide range of geometries and loadings. The method is based on crack surface disp lacements calculated using finite element analysis. It is now extended to solve mode II and mixed-mode problems. Stress intensity factor est imates calculated from the proposed model are compared with those in t he literature and good agreement is found even when relatively coarse finite element meshes are used. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.