Path independent integrals for computing stress intensity factors at sharp notches in elastic plates

Abstract

Abstract A set of path independent integrals is constructed for the calculation of the generalized stress intensity factors occurring in elastic plates having sharp re‐entrant corners or notches with stress‐free faces and subjected to Mode I, II or III type loading. The Mode I integral is then demonstrated to enjoy a reasonable degree of numerical path independence in a finite element analysis of a test problem having an exact solution. Finally, this integral is used on the same problem in conjunction with a regularizing, finite element, procedure or superposition method. The results indicate that sufficiently accurate estimates of these stress intensity factors for engineering purposes can be achieved with little computational effort.