Analysis of elliptical cracks in static and in fatigue by hybridization of Green's functions

Abstract

A hybrid weight function technique is presented. It consists of dividing an elliptical crack into two zones, then using the appropriate weight function in the area where it is more efficient. The proportion between zones is determined by optimizing two crack parameters (axis ratio and curvature radius). Stress intensity factors are hence computed by a self developed computer code. Static and fatigue loadings are considered. The results found by the present approach are in good correlation with the analytical and experimental solutions (when available) as well as with those obtained numerically by other researchers. © Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2009.