Three-dimensional mixed mode analysis of a cracked body by fractal finite element method

A semi-analytical method namely fractal finite element method is presented for the determination of stress intensity factor for the straight three-dim enisonal plant crack. Using the concept of fractal geometry. infinite many of finite elements are generated virtually around the crack border. Based o n the analytical global displacement function, numerous DOFs are transforme d to a small set of generalised coordinates in an expeditious way. No post- processing and special finite elements are required to develop for extracti ng the stress intensity factors. Examples are given to illustrate the accur acy and efficiency of the present method. Very good accuracy (with less tha n 3% errors) is obtained for the maximum value of SIFs for different modes.