Mixed mode cracks in Reissner plates

Based on the sixth order Reissner plate theory, the generalized displacemen t functions for a cracked plate are derived by eigenfunction expansion meth od. The fractal two-level finite element method is employed to obtain the s tress (moment and shear) intensity factors for the center cracked plate sub jected to out-of-plane bending and twisting loads. The numerical results fr om the present method are checked with those available in literature. Highl y accurate stress intensity factors are predicted for a wide range of thick ness to crack length ratio and a full range of Poisson AEs ratio provided t hat the radius of fractal mesh to thickness ratio is not less than 1/10.