The shape functions of a six-noded triangular element are developed to
model power type singularities which satisfy all the convergence crit
eria-the rigid body mode, the interelement continuity and the constant
strain condition. Hence this provides a unique tool to model power ty
pe singularities under mechanical and thermal loads. Three case studie
s are presented. The first case study deals with the comparison of the
present element with the existing singular elements. The convergence
studies are done for this case study by refining the mesh and also by
increasing the order of integration. The second and the third case stu
dies deal with real life problems, namely, the analysis of a cracked b
imaterial strip and the analysis of a power plant nozzle with a kinked
crack under mechanical and thermal loads. These case studies show the
usefulness of the element.