A finite element method for determining the angular variation of asymptotic crack tip fields

Abstract

A finite element method for computing the angular variation of asymptotic singular solutions is presented. For the method to be applicable, the asymptotic fields must admit a separable form in polar coordinates. The radial dependence of the fields is assumed known. We provide details of the application of the method to the problem of a stationary semi-infinite crack in a Ramberg-Osgood material subjected to in-plane remote mixed mode elastic fields. This example demonstrates the primary strengths of the method: the material model is easily implemented and accurate solutions are obtained using coarse meshes.