Finite element model of plate with elasto-plastic through crack

A rectangular plate finite element with a through crack has been developed in this paper. The model of the element is based on elasto-plastic fracture mechanics and the finite element method. The considered crack is non-propa gating and open. Crack tip plasticity, at the cracked cross-section, is inc luded in the model of local flexibility. The stiffness matrix takes into ac count the effect of flexural bending deformation due to the crack presence, whereas the inertia matrix remains unchanged. The elaborated model can be applied to static, dynamic and stability analysis of cracked plate-like str uctures. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.