On the solution of three-dimensional thermoelastic mixed-mode edge crack problems by the dual boundary element method

This paper describes the formulation and numerical implementation of the th ree-dimensional dual boundary element method (DBEM) for the thermoelastic a nalysis of mixed-mode crack problems. The DBEM incorporates two pairs of in dependent boundary integral equations: namely, the temperature and displace ment, and the flux and traction equations. In this technique, one pair is a pplied on one of the crack faces and the other on the opposite one. On non- crack boundaries, the temperature and displacement equations are applied. S pecial shape functions are implemented to model the root r behaviour of cra ck tip fields. Stress intensity factors were calculated with the crack open ing displacement formulae and by using standard and special elements at the crack front. To demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed me thod, several examples were solved and the results compared, where possible , with existing solutions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.