Weight functions for multiple edge cracks in a coating

In this paper, the weight function for multiple edge cracks located in a segmented coating has been investigated. The stress intensity factors (SIFs) for two reference loading configurations were computed via the finite element (FE) method. Dimensional analysis was used to reveal the scaling relationships between the weight function and some important parameters such as dimensionless crack depth, crack spacing and material constants. The sensitivity analyses were carried out through a parametric study and the results were presented in graphical forms. A simple approach for fitting the computational results was given and the fitting formulas for weight functions were obtained.