Stress intensity factor analysis of elliptical corner cracks in mechanical joints by weight function method

Abstract

Mixed-mode stress intensity factors at the surface and deepest points of quarter elliptical corner cracks in mechanical joints such as bolted or riveted joints are analyzed by weight function method. The weight function method is an efficient technique to calculate the stress intensity factors using uncracked stress field. The extended form of the weight function method for 2D mixed-mode problems to 3D mixed-mode is presented and the accuracy due to the number of terms included in the weight function is examined. The effects of the amount of clearance between the hole and the bolt or rivet on the stress intensity factors are investigated, and the critical angle causing the mode I stress intensity factor to be maximized is determined by analyzing the variation of the stress intensity factors along incline angle of crack.