Mode III two-dimensional crack problem by two-level finite element method

The fractal two-level finite element method has been proved to be very effi cient and accurate for determining the stress intensity factor (SIF) for mo de I and mode II two-dimensional crack problem. One main reason is that the method does not require new finite element and can be implemented easily w ith existing commercial packages. In this paper we extend the two-level fin ite element method to mode III (out of plane deformation) two-dimensional c rack. Accurate determination of SIF will be demonstrated and results will b e compared with the literature.