cracks in finite-thickness plates subjected to tension loads

Normalized mixed-mode stress intensity factor equations are presented for deflected and inclined circular surface and corner cracks in finite-thickness plates under uniform remote tensile loading. The equations are obtained by performing non-linear regression analyses on the data from previous numerical solutions based on three-dimensional enriched finite elements. In the equations, the effects of deflection/inclination angles and plate thickness on mixed-mode stress intensity factors are included. The comparisons of normalized stress intensity factors from the equations with those of the finite element analyses show good agreement. Thus, it is concluded that, as a reasonable approximation, the presented equations can be used to assess stress intensity factors and fracture conditions of mixed-mode circular surface and corner cracks in finite-thickness plates. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved