Stress intensity factors for a semi-elliptical surface crack in a T-shapedgeometry Part 1: tension and bending results

This paper considers mode I stress intensity factors for a T-shaped geometr y, representative of one flange and part of the web of a steel I-section, w hich contains; a flat semi-elliptical surface crack in the flange. Several crack and T-section geometries are analysed, for both tension and bending, using the finite element method. The very good agreement between the J inte gral and displacement methods increases confidence in the finite element so lutions. The presence of the web and the flange-web intersection have a sig nificant influence on the stress intensity factors of the plate. Based on a least-squares approximation, the stress intensity factors for the T-shaped geometry are given in the form of equations which may prove to be useful i n fatigue and fracture evaluation.