A FINITE-ELEMENT SOLUTION FOR ELLIPTIC CRACKS USING THE ICCI METHOD

In one of our recent publications, a formula for the computation of th e 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 se mi-elliptical surface cracks in a finite thickness plate subjected to tension are calculated using this formula. Comparisons between the num erical results obtained using the formula and those from the literatur e showed that the proposed technique yields accurate stress intensity factors.