Stress Intensity Factor - Simple Solution for a Complex Problem

This research explores the modeling of a cracked structure using a linear elastic finite element method (FEM) analysis with the objective of determining the stress intensity factor (SIF) for complex geometries. The analysis uses a mapping of the stress concentration area ahead of the crack tip to asymptotically determine the SIF. With focus on aircraft airworthiness application, two known crack case solutions subjected to a uniform tensile loading (Mode I – Opening) were analyzed with fixed geometric dimensions. For model calibration, Irwin’s approximation method was used for more complex geometries with irregular stress distributions and the solution was compared to ones available in referenced text