Update: Application of the Finite Element Method to Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics

Abstract

Since the previous paper was written (Banks-Sills, 1991, “Application of the Finite Element Method to Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics,” Appl. Mech. Rev., 44, pp. 447–461), much progress has been made in applying the finite element method to linear elastic fracture mechanics. In this paper, the problem of calculating stress intensity factors in two- and three-dimensional mixed mode problems will be considered for isotropic and anisotropic materials. The square-root singular stresses in the neighborhood of the crack tip will be modeled by quarter-point, square and collapsed, triangular elements for two-dimensional problems, respectively, and by brick and collapsed, prismatic elements in three dimensions. The stress intensity factors are obtained by means of the interaction energy or M-integral. Displacement extrapolation is employed as a check on the results. In addition, the problem of interface cracks between homogeneous, isotropic, and anisotropic materials is presented. The purpose of this paper is to present an accurate and efficient method for calculating stress intensity factors for mixed mode deformation. The equations presented here should aid workers in this field to carry out similar analyses, as well as to check their calculations with respect to the examples described.