SOME GEOMETRIC PROBLEMS RELATED TO FRACTURE-CONTROL IN COMPLEX STRUCTURES

In the design of members with flaws, it is necessary to keep the stres s intensity factor K of any sharp crack below the fracture toughness K (cr) of the materials. Stress-intensity factor equations for the more common basic specimen geometries and various loading conditions are av ailable in the literature. The application of these equations to compl ex structures involves geometric problems such as the identification o f the outline of each member and the sizing of the equivalent specimen for each flaw. The paper gives a response to such difficulties.