CRACK CLOSURE AND CRACK PATH PREDICTION FOR CURVED CRACKS UNDER THERMAL LOAD

Based on an integral equation formulation, a boundary element method i s presented for the analysis of curved cracks under mechanical and the rmal load. It takes into account possible load and crack shape-depende nt crack,closure effects. In conjunction with a suitable crack growth criterion, the method enables, by means of an incremental numerical pr ocedure, the solution of crack growth problems, of crack path predicti on problems and of accompanied inverse control problems. Several examp les illustrate the accuracy and applicability of the method in calcula ting stress intensity factors and crack paths.