Application of finite element methods to the analysis of cracks: final report

The applicability of finite element methods to the analysis of cracks was studied in three phases. In the first phase the available methods for the calculation of elastic stress intensity data for cracks of arbitrary shape using finite element techniques were evaluated. The indirect energy release method using virtual crack front variation was...

A simple analytical model for computation of specimen compliance and effective crack extension force in a centrally cracked strip, including effects of yielding

In the present report a simple analytical model for the "behaviour of a centrally cracked strip is proposed. Formulae for computation of compliance, crack opening displacement and effective crack extension force are derived. The model is based on the classical solution for a crack infinite sheet under uniaxial tension. The effect of finite...