Improved stress intensity factors for selected configurations in cracked plates

In this paper improved stress intensity geometry factors are determined for four key geometric configurations. They were developed using a p-version finite element method program. Two-dimensional uniaxially loaded plates are investigated, with either: an edge crack, a crack approaching a hole, or a crack propagating from a hole after ligament failure. The three-dimensional problem of a through crack in an integral stiffener approaching a junction, under uniaxial tension, is also considered. The resulting normalised stress intensity factor data are provided as compact equations or presented in tabular form.