Approximate Function Research Articles

Double-diffusive convection in flow of Carreau fluid with variable density inside converging and diverging channels of rectilinear walls

In this article, the effects of double-diffusive convection have been seen on the flow of Carreau fluid of variable density, maintained inside straight and converging (diverging) channels. Note that the channel walls exhibit variable porosity and undergo stretching or shrinking at non-uniform velocities. In the flow domain, we have taken into account the convective transport of both heat and species mass concentrations. The pseudo-similarity solutions of previous investigation for such type flows are not used here; however, a new set of similarity transformations has been formed, which reduced the governing system (PDEs) into an exact set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), whereas the longstanding issues of semi-similarity solutions have been successfully resolved in this particular case and in general for all situations of Carreau fluid flow. In a nutshell, a unified mathematical approach has been devised in this paper. We strictly emphasized the simulation of flow of Carreau fluid and double diffusive convection in flow inside a channel with multiple dynamical behaviours and structures (both Jeffery Hammel and Poissuielle flow types) of walls. The boundary layer approximation and stream function assumptions have not been used in the study's execution. The shear thinning and shear thickening features of Carreau fluids with variable density cause them to exhibit lower axial velocity in the centre of a horizontal channel than Newtonian fluids due to variable wall configurations and complex flow conditions. By enhancing buoyancy driven convection, which promotes effective heat dispersion, increasing the solutal and thermal Grashof numbers (GrS=GrT>0) lowers the temperature field. It has been found that in channel with diverging walls (a1=2.0), increasing the modified Reynolds numbers (σ1,σ2>0) increases concentration profiles, i.e. ϕ(η), while decreasing them in channel with rectilinear walls (a1=0.0).

Semi-discrete Lagrangian-Eulerian approach based on the weak asymptotic method for nonlocal conservation laws in several dimensions

In this work, we have expanded upon the (local) semi-discrete Lagrangian-Eulerian method initially introduced in Abreu et al. (2022) to approximate a specific class of multi-dimensional scalar conservation laws with nonlocal flux, referred to as the nonlocal model: ∂tρ(t,x)+∑i=1d∂xi(Vi[W[ρ,ω](t,x)]Fi(ρ(t,x)))=0,(t,x)∈(0,T)×Rd. For completeness, we analyze the convergence of this method using the weak asymptotic approach introduced in Abreu et al. (2016), with significant results extended to the multidimensional nonlocal case. While there are indeed other important techniques available that can be utilized to prove the convergence of the numerical scheme, the choice of this particular technique (weak asymptotic analysis) is quite natural. This is primarily due to its suitability for dealing with the Lagrangian-Eulerian schemes proposed in this paper. Essentially, the weak asymptotic method generates a family of approximate solutions satisfying the following properties: 1) The family of approximate functions is uniformly bounded in the space L1(Rd)∩L∞(Rd). 2) The family is dominated by a suitable temporal and spatial modulus of continuity. These properties allow us to employ the L1-compactness argument to extract a convergent subsequence. We demonstrate that the limit function is a weak entropy solution of Eq. (1). Finally, we present a section of numerical examples to illustrate our results. Finally, we have examined examples discussed in Aggarwal et al. (2015) and Keimer et al. (2018). In the context of the family of two-dimensional nonlocal Burgers equations, we provide numerical results for a nonlocal impact of the form ωη∗ρ, where η=0.1.

A GENERALIZED APPROACH TO INTEGRATION PROCESS BY AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS

Analytical integrals of functions in closed form are rare and one has to resort frequently to numerical integration techniques. In this work, approximate auxiliary functions that can be integrated are replaced by the original function to determine approximate analytical and numerical integrals. Information on one and two points of the function is used in determining the parameters of the auxiliary trial functions. Three alternative methods are proposed. Once the function without an available closed-form integral is replaced with an integrable one, analytical and numerical integration results can be found. The integration step size can be substantially increased by the employment of the methods.

Uniform Diophantine approximation and run-length function in continued fractions

Abstract We study the multifractal properties of the uniform approximation exponent and asymptotic approximation exponent in continued fractions. As a corollary, we calculate the Hausdorff dimension of the uniform Diophantine set $$ \begin{align*} {\mathcal{U}(\hat{\nu})}= &\ \{x\in[0,1)\colon \text{for all }N\gg1,\text{ there exists }n\in[1,N],\\&\ \ \text{ such that }|T^{n}(x)-y| < |I_{N}(y)|^{\hat{\nu}}\} \end{align*} $$ for a class of quadratic irrational numbers $y\in [0,1)$ . These results contribute to the study of the uniform Diophantine approximation, and apply to investigating the multifractal properties of run-length function in continued fractions.

A continuous-discontinuous coupling computational method for multi-material mixtures

Considering the important role of particle-reinforced composites (PRCs), and to accurately assess the mechanical properties of PRC with arbitrarily complex internal structures, this paper proposes a new continuous-discontinuous coupled computational method, i.e., the multi-material integrated analysis (MIA) method, by combining the advantages of the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method, the numerical manifold method (NMM), and the meshless method, for the continuous-discontinuous dual state of this kind of materials when they are subjected to forces. The core idea of this method is by establishing a single physical cover (PC) on each particle and defining a unified and piecewise approximation function over it to achieve displacement coordination between the particles and the matrix. In this model, the particles can maintain the contact and separation characteristics like the blocks, while the matrix is able to achieve the bonding function by overlapping different covers. Two numerical integration schemes, namely single-point Gaussian integration and Monte Carlo integration, are proposed to address the integration issues in stiffness matrix calculations. Meanwhile by considering the similarity between NMM and meshless method interpolation function construction, this paper combines circular coverage and 0th-order moving least squares to construct the interpolation function to form the displacement approximation function for the whole solution space. Moreover, the method of lattice retrieval (also Nearest Neighbor Search, NNS) is invoked for particle contact determination to improve the efficiency of contact and coverage relationship determination. The validity of the model is verified by taking asphalt mixture, a typical PRC, as a demonstrative case study. The results show that the MIA method solves the one-sided problem that the existing algorithms usually only consider the continuous or discontinuous properties of PRC, and provides a new method for comprehensively analyzing the micromechanical response of PRC and solving its large deformation problem.

Insulating behaviour in room temperature rhombohedral LiNiO2 cathodes is driven by dynamic correlation

Abstract Inspired by the experimental finding of a paramagnetic insulating state in rhombohedral LiNiO2, a lithium-ion battery cathode of great interest, we calculate the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of LiNiO2 employing a range of single-particle and many-body methods. Within density-functional theory (DFT) using the generalized-gradient approximation (GGA), meta-GGA, and hybrid functionals, we obtain a ferromagnetic half-metallic ground state for rhombohedral LiNiO2, as has been seen previously. Self-consistent GW calculations including self-interaction corrections beyond DFT for various flavours show an electronic band gap albeit with a small quasiparticle peak at the Fermi energy. Moving beyond this, room temperature state-of-the-art dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) calculations on rhombohedral LiNiO2 show for the first time a gap of combined Mott and charge-transfer character. The paramagnetic insulating state has a band gap of ~0.6 eV, in excellent agreement with experiments and is in sharp contrast to DFT calculations that require the presence of an extra structural symmetry breaking in the form of Jahn–Teller distortions to open a gap. We observe Ni to be in a +2 state in a d 8L configuration, with a charge-transfer ligand hole in O p, and identify the ligand hole state from the DMFT DOS. We further show that whereas DFT shows the presence of an unphysical metallic Drude peak in the optical absorption spectra, DMFT calculations capture the correct form of the optical absorption spectra, and have an excellent match with the calculated band gap as well. Our results clarify that at room temperature, it is the charge transfer gap with a Mott character that causes rhombohedral LiNiO2’s insulating nature; a structural distortion is not required.

Free vibration analysis of laminated composite shallow curved beam with various boundary conditions

This study introduces a novel Ritz approximation function to analyze the free vibrations of laminated compositeshallow curved beams. The methodology utilizes polynomial functions-based Fibonacci series to develop theRitz’s approximation function. The displacement field aligns with the high-order shear deformation theorydesigned explicitly for shallow curved beams. The problem’s governing equation is established by applying theLagrange equation, providing a comprehensive framework for the subsequent analysis. The study meticulouslyexamines the convergence rate and accuracy of the proposed approximation function. Numerical investigationsare conducted to determine the natural frequencies of curved beams. Factors such as curvature-to-length ratio,length-to-thickness ratio, boundary conditions, and material anisotropy are carefully considered. Furthermore,extensive survey results concerning the natural frequencies of curved beams are presented. These results serveas valuable reference data for future investigations in this area, thereby contributing to the academic discourseon this subject matter.

An integrated optimization method for the damper placements, shape and size of truss structures

This work extends the application of the approximation concept in dynamic topology optimization for truss structures. The corresponding problem contains both continuous and discrete variables, encompassing damper placements, truss shape and cross-sectional area. First, the utilization of a branched multipoint approximation (BMA) function establishes sequential approximation problems that also involve such mixed variables, marking its innovative application in dynamic optimization. Then, a modified genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize discrete variables. To enhance convergence stationarity, the concept of ‘adjacent individuals’ is proposed to control the degree of difference in topology configuration between initial population members and the current optimal. Additionally, adjustments to the sequence-based crossover process ensure compliance with damper quantity constraints. Examples demonstrate that the introduction of adjacent individuals is beneficial to convergence stationarity, and the shape change of the truss increases the mode damping ratio by more than 20%. The created optimization platform can also tackle other mixed variables optimization problems.

Analytical estimate of effective charge and ground-state energies of two to five electron sequences up to atomic number 20 utilizing the variational method

BackgroundThe variational method, a quantum mechanical approach, estimates effective charge distributions and ground-state energy by minimizing the Hamiltonian's expectation value using trial wave functions with adjustable parameters. This method provides valuable insights into system behavior and is widely used in theoretical chemistry and physics. This paper aims to investigate ground-state energies and isoelectronic sequences using the variational method, introducing a novel approach for analyzing multi-electron systems. This technique allows for determining effective charge values and ground-state energies for 2–5 electrons sequence up to Z ≤ 20. Hydrogenic wave functions are used as a trial wave function to calculate effective charge in 1 s, 2 s, and 2p states. Two varying parameters were used to calculate an approximate wave function for the system. These values are then used in non-relativistic Hamiltonian with electron–electron interaction terms to calculate the ground-state energy of an atom.ResultThe results align with the reported experimental values, showing a marginal 1% error.ConclusionA Python algorithm is established based on the variational principle. It was found that, based on a few selected parameters in scripting the program, a very promising result was obtained. Furthermore, adding more variational parameters can minimize the difference between experimental and theoretical values, and this technique can be extended to elements with higher atomic numbers.

Mechanical-electric-magnetic-thermal coupled enriched finite element method for magneto-electro-elastic structures

Abstract Magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) materials possess the ability to convert mechanical, electrical, and magnetic energies, playing a critical role in smart devices. To improve the accuracy and efficiency of solving the mechanical properties of MEE structures in mechanical-electrical-magnetic-thermal (MEMT) environments, an MEMT coupled multiphysics enriched finite element method (MP-EFEM) is proposed. Based on the fundamental equations and boundary conditions of MEE materials, the interpolation coverage function is introduced into the MEMT coupled finite element method (FEM) to construct higher-order approximate interpolation displacement shape functions, electric potential shape functions, and magnetic potential shape functions. Combined with the variational principle, MP-EFEM is proposed, and the governing equations of MP-EFEM are derived. Numerical examples validate the accuracy and high efficiency of MP-EFEM in solving the mechanical properties of MEE structures in MEMT environments. When compared to the MEMT coupled FEM (MEMT-FEM), the results show that this method offers higher accuracy and efficiency. Therefore, MP-EFEM can effectively analyze the mechanical properties of MEE structures under multiphysics coupling, providing a new method for the design and development of smart devices.

HIGH-ORDER ZIG-ZAG THEORIES TO STATIC LAMINATED COMPOSITE BEAM ANALYSIS BY THE RAYLEIGH-RITZ METHOD

Technological advancements across various engineering fields have grown demand for highly efficient materials for specific applications. Laminated composite materials have emerged as a promising solution, offering a combination of favorable mechanical properties by layering different materials. Theories, such as zig-zag theories, have been developed to predict the mechanical behavior of these materials under external stresses. This study investigates the outcomes provided by the Rayleigh-Ritz variational method, employing different approximation functions, particularly focusing on unified higher-order zig-zag kinematics. All proposed shape functions agree to the reference values, but the model with polynomial shape function shows more applications possibilities. Keywords: composite materials, composite laminated beams, zig-zag theory, Rayleigh-Ritz method.

Plain Capping for Improved Accuracy of Approximate One- and Two-Electron Densities at Two-Particle Coalescence Points.

The values of the one-electron and intracule densities at two-particle coalescence points that enter the expressions for relativistic corrections to energies of Coulombic systems cannot be efficiently computed with sufficient accuracy from approximate wave functions expressed in terms of cuspless basis functions such as the explicitly correlated Gaussians. A new approach to alleviation of this problem, called plain capping, is proposed. Unlike those offered by the previously published formalisms, such as the expectation value identities and integral transforms, the accuracy improvements effected by the plain capping are attained with negligible computational effort and minimum programming. In the case of the on-top two-electron densities, whose accurate computation is particularly costly, the plain capping constitutes the only viable means of error reduction available at present.

Multi-focus Image Fusion via Blind Deconvolution and Registration based on Photoacoustic Microscopy

Abstract Optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM), which can present the microstructure of biological tissues is useful in the disease diagnosis. However, conventional OR-PAM can only obtain images with high resolution in a narrow range of depths around the focal plane. In this study, we proposed a multi-focus photoacoustic image fusion method based on the blind deconvolution. This method is divided into two steps. First, we used the method of blind deconvolution to obtain an approximate point spread function (PSF) for each photoacoustic images obtained from multiple layers, and then got the corresponding deblurred photoacoustic images. Second, we used the method of multi-focus images registration and fusion to accurately align the multi-focus photoacoustic images and effectively fuse the features of different images. Finally, the proposed method was applied to process the photoacoustic images obtained from photoacoustic imaging experiments on ants with irregular morphology using fast controllable confocal focus PAM (FC-PAM). The results show that our method improves the quality of photoacoustic images, and can quickly obtain multi-focus fused photoacoustic images with high resolution. It indicates that the proposed multi-focus photoacoustic image fusion method based on FC-PAM has great potential in fast imaging of living biological tissues at multiple imaging depths.

Better approximation of sigmoid function for privacy-preserving neural networks

Abstract With the development of artificial intelligence technology, privacy protection has become a prominent research direction. Homomorphic encryption is an important and promising technology in the construction of privacy-preserving neural networks. However, computing nonlinear activation functions remains a challenging task in the context of homomorphic encryption. Considering Sigmoid is one of the most commonly used activation functions, this paper proposes a polynomial approximation method for the Sigmoid function and applies it to the homomorphic encryption scheme of CKKS. We design polynomial approximation functions using Improved Taylor Expansion Segmentation (ITES), Least Squares method (LS), and Random Noise Addition method, respectively. These methods are implemented through the CKKS scheme in the homomorphic encryption library of SEAL. The experimental results show that the ITES achieves high fitting accuracy, reducing the average absolute error by 11.09% and the mean squared error by 38.06% compared to previous fitting methods. Therefore, experiments have identified methods with better fitting results in the CKKS scheme, which can meet the requirements of using homomorphic encryption in deep learning technologies. Finally, our analysis points out that different technologies have unique advantages and adapt to different scenarios, e.g., ITES has higher accuracy, LS has higher performance in scenarios with limited computing resources.

A novel method for approximating the distribution of chi-squared-type mixtures

. In order to approximate the distribution of chi-squared-type mixtures, Zhang (2005) proposed to use a chi-squared-type random variable of the form α 1 χ d 1 2 + β 1 , where the unknown parameters α 1, β 1, and d 1 are determined by matching the first three cumulants. In this article, we propose a novel method to approximate the distribution of chi-squared-type mixtures by the distribution of a random variable in the form α χ d 2 + β + σξ , where ξ is a standard normal random variable, and the unknown parameters α, β, σ, and d are determined by matching the first four cumulants. The approximating error bound on the distribution functions of the new method approximation is established. The numerical results show that our proposed method can has fewer error bound than some existed methods in some examples.

Residual growth control for general maps and an approximate inverse function result

The need to control the residual of a potentially nonlinear function F\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {F}$$\\end{document} arises in several situations in mathematics. For example, computing the zeros of a given map, or the reduction of some cost function during an optimization process are such situations. In this note, we discuss the existence of a curve t↦x(t)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$t\\mapsto x(t)$$\\end{document} in the domain of the nonlinear map F\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {F}$$\\end{document} leading from some initial value x0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$x_0$$\\end{document} to a value u such that we are able to control the residual F(x(t))\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {F}(x(t))$$\\end{document} based on the value F(x0)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {F}(x_0)$$\\end{document}. More precisely, we slightly extend an existing result from J.W. Neuberger by proving the existence of such a curve, assuming that the directional derivative of F\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {F}$$\\end{document} can be represented by x↦A(x)F(x0)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$x \\mapsto \\mathcal {A}(x)\\mathcal {F}(x_0)$$\\end{document}, where A\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {A}$$\\end{document} is a suitable defined operator. The presented approach covers, in case of A(x)=-Id\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {A}(x) = -\ extsf{Id}$$\\end{document}, some well known results from the theory of so-called continuous Newton methods. Moreover, based on the presented results, we discover an approximate inverse function result.

A reliability analysis method based on the intersection area division of hypersphere and paraboloid

In terms of the approximate failure probability of the limit state function (LSF), First Order Reliability Method (FORM) directly solves the failure probability through the most probable point (MPP), but it can only achieve high accuracy in the LSF with low linearity and non-linearity. Second Order Reliability Method (SORM) performs second-order expansion on the basis of MPP to improve reliability accuracy. However, the approximation may be wrong, and even has a large error in high-dimensional nonlinear problems. In order to get more precise approximation of SORM, this paper proposes an area partition method based on the Intersection Area Division Method (IADM) of Hypersphere and Paraboloid. IADM constructs a hypersphere and an approximate parabolic function of the LSF at MPP. The intersection area of the hypersphere and the approximate paraboloid is defined as the failure region from the geometric of the approximate paraboloid function, and the area of the failure region is calculated by the spherical integral. Finally, the approximation of the failure probability is determined by integrating the ratio of the area to the area of the hypersphere. Several examples proved that IADM is more stable compared with SORM which avoids the generation of wrong solutions and improves the accuracy.

An Approximation of the Prime Counting Function and a New Representation of the Riemann Zeta Function

Determining the exact number of primes at large magnitudes is computationally intensive, making approximation methods (e.g., the logarithmic integral, prime number theorem, Riemann zeta function, Chebyshev’s estimates, etc.) particularly valuable. These methods also offer avenues for number-theoretic exploration through analytical manipulation. In this work, we introduce a novel approximation function, ϕ(n), which adds to the existing repertoire of approximation methods and provides a fresh perspective for number-theoretic studies. Deeper analytical investigation of ϕ(n) reveals modified representations of the Chebyshev function, prime number theorem, and Riemann zeta function. Computational studies indicate that the difference between ϕ(n) and the logarithmic integral at magnitudes greater than 10100 is less than 1%.

Hybrid differential evolution algorithm for Falkner-Skan flow with rotation

A hybrid differential evolution algorithm is used in this work to study the rotating transport of Falkner-Skan flow. The problem is modeled as an equivalent optimization problem by using Padé rational approximation functions. The primary model of the governing partial differential equations is imposed to subjugate the error between profiles. A hybrid evolutionary algorithm based on differential evolution and a convergent version of Nelder-Mead direct search algorithm is employed to perform global exploratory search along with an enhanced exploitation to improve the accuracy of the proposed solution scheme. The resulting scheme is named as evolutionary Padé approximation (EPA) scheme. The performance of the proposed EPA scheme on the Falkner-Skan boundary value problem is investigated by considering various values of the rotation parameters. The developed optimizer in EPA scheme was able to minimize the residuals up to10−10. Results are displayed graphically in order to study the effect of various types of parameters. EPA scheme determined that angular velocity increases or decreases accordingly as fluid parameter (β) and the rotation parameter (λ) but shows inverse behavior with respect to power law index(n). Similarly, the response of velocity profile along y−axis was decreasing function of β as well as n but increasing function of λ. The performance of the proposed EPA scheme has been demonstrated by comparing results with a hybrid neural network scheme and found in excellent agreement.

T-stress extraction in arbitrarily cracked orthotropic composites with the numerical manifold method and Stroh formalism

The escalating utilization of composites over the past decades has necessitated the fracture investigation of orthotropic materials. The T-stress, namely, the first non-singular term of the normal stress parallel to the crack in William’s expansion, is of great significance for fracture analysis. In this work, the numerical manifold method (NMM) is advanced to assess the T-stress of arbitrary-shaped cracks (including non-intersecting cracks and multi-branched cracks) in two-dimensional orthotropic composites. Attributing to the bi-cover systems, the NMM can conveniently discretize the physical domain and naturally accommodate the discontinuity across crack surface. Meanwhile, the singularity at crack tip can be well captured by the wise choice of local approximation function. Through the application of interaction integral technology in the NMM postprocessing, the T-stress is extracted with the Stroh-form auxiliary fields. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparing with reference solutions and then applied to arbitrarily branched and intersecting cracks. The results indicate that the present approach has convincing accuracy and also considerable convenience in T-stress evaluation. Additionally, the impacts of material orientations, crack geometries and loading conditions on the T-stress are also investigated.