Open Access

ARTICLE

A Generalized Technique for Fracture Analysis of 2-D Crack Problems Employing Singular Finite Elements

G.S. Palani¹, B. Dattaguru², Nagesh R. Iyer¹

1 Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), CSIR Campus, Chennai, 600113, India.
2 Indian Institute of Science(IISc), Bangalore, 560 012, India

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring 2008, 4(2), 77-94. https://doi.org/10.3970/sdhm.2008.004.077

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present a generalized technique called as, numerically integrated Modified Virtual Crack Closure Integral (NI-MVCCI) technique for computation of strain energy release rate (SERR) for 2-D crack problems employing singular finite elements. NI-MVCCI technique is generalized one and the expressions for computing SERR are independent of the finite element employed. Stress intensity factor (SIF) can be computed using the relations between SERR and SIF depending on the assumption of plane stress/strain conditions. NI-MVCCI technique has been demonstrated for 8-noded Serendipity (regular & quarter-point) and 9-noded Lagrangian (regular & quarter-point) and 12-noded (regular & singular) isoparametric finite elements. Numerical studies on fracture analysis of mode-I and mode-II 2-D crack problems have been conducted employing these elements. SERR and SIF have been computed for these problems and found to be in good agreement with the respective infinite/finite plate solutions available in the literature. The appropriate Gauss numerical integration order to be employed for each of these elements, especially for the singular elements for accurate computation of SERR and SIF has been recommended based on the studies.

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