Analysis of two dimensional fracture problems with multiple cracks under mixed boundary conditions

Abstract

This paper presents an efficient finite element alternating method for the analysis of two dimensional mixed-mode fracture problems with multiple cracks under mixed boundary conditions. Based on the analytical solution derived for an unbounded crack body with a central crack under arbitrary crack-face tractions, the resultant residual displacements/stresses on external boundaries are repeatedly evaluated till the variation of stress intensity factors and resultant residual stresses on each crack are negligible. Excellent agreement between the computed results and referenced solutions is observed. The deformed profiles and maximum shear stress contours are also presented. The economic computer time used and simple finite element idealization needed show the advantages of the method.