Abstract
Special crack-tip elements have been widely used in the standard application of the Boundary Element Method (BEM) to crack problems, see for example [1-3]. These elements are based on the so-called conforming or continuous shape functions. Recent developments in the boundary elements have resulted in new formulation known as the Dual Boundary Element Method [4-7]. This new formulation utilizes both the displacement and the traction integral equations; hence enabling general mixed-mode crack problems to be solved in a single region. Due to the hypersingular integrals appearing in the traction integral equation, discontinuous elements are used to ensure accurate integration is carried out. Here, a new crack-tip element is proposed using discontinuous shape functions. The accuracy of this new element in modelling the crack-tip fields is assessed by calculating the stress intensity factors for an embedded elliptical crack problem. Let us assume that the crack front lies along the local coordinate 11=-1 axis
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
