A weight function method for the assessment of partially closed three-dimensional plane cracks

The interference and physical contact between mating fracture surfaces can lead, even under the action of traction loads, to the closure of a crack. A low-cost numerical tool for the assessment of three-dimensional partially closed mode-I cracks is presented in this paper. The devised tool is based on the weight function methodology and it allows computing the geometry of the open part of the crack and the stress intensity factor along the complete crack front. The accuracy and versatility of the proposed procedure is assessed by solving a number of examples and comparing the obtained results with those available in the literature.