Modified crack closure integral based computation of stress intensity factors for 2-Dthermoelastic problems through boundary element method

A modified crack closure integral (MCCT) based computation of stress intensity lactors (SIFs) for thermal loading through boundary element method (BEM) is presented. Simple relations are given for the determination of stress intensity factors (SIHs) using the BEM results for linear, quadratic and quarter point elements employed around the crack lip. Examples of crack under mode I, mode II and mixed mode thermal and/or mechanical loading, are examined. The computed SIFs are compared wherever possible with solutions available in the literature. The agreement is good. The effect of crack tip element size on the accuracy of results is reported. © 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.