On the computation of the pure Neumann problem in 2-dimensional elasticity

The accurate computation of stress intensity factors (SIFs) plays a decisive role in the determination of crack paths. The calculation of SIFs with the help of singular weight functions leads to pure Neumann problem for anisotropic elasticity in a plane domain with a crack. Here a method is presented to overcome the specific numerical difficulties which arises while calculating these solutions with Finite Element methods. The accuracy and advantage of this method are shown by a numerical example, the calculation of SIFs of a compact tension specimen