On the computation of mode I and II thermal shock stress intensity factors using a boundary‐only element method

Abstract

AbstractA time domain boundary‐only element method is used for the analysis of fractured planar bodies, subjected to thermal shock type loads. The uncoupled quasistatic thermoelasticity equations are solved without the need for domain discretization. The singular behaviour of the temperature and displacement fields, in the vicinity of the crack tip, is modelled by quarter‐point elements. Transient thermal stress and heat flux intensity factors are evaluated from computed nodal values, using the well‐known displacement and traction formulas. The accuracy of the method, the stability of the solution and the dependence on space‐time discretization is investigated through comparison of present results with analytical and computational ones, taken from the literature. For mode I and mixed mode two‐dimensional problems examined, the method proved to be a potent tool for fracture analysis in presence of severe thermal shock loads, even in the microcrack size range. Potent in the sense that, it is very stable and cost effective from the space‐time discretization point of view.