BEM based evaluation of SIFs using modified crack closure integral technique under remote and/or crack edge loading

Abstract

This paper deals with the boundary element method based evaluation of stress intensity factors for mode I and mixed mode problems under remote and/or crack edge loading. The modified crack closure integral technique has been used to enhance the accuracy of the computed stress intensity factors. Simple, ready to use, relations for the strain energy release rate have been obtained corresponding to linear, quadratic and quarter point elements surrounding the crack tip. The boundary element method is employed by breaking a domain into two subregions for the mixed mode problems. Case studies involving remote or crack edge loading for both mode I and mixed mode problems are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the new scheme. The stress intensity factors based on the proposed scheme show better agreement with the standard solutions available in the literature than those obtained directly through the displacement method.