Crack edge collocation for the direct computation of stress intensity factors using the displacement discontinuity method

Abstract

The numerical solution of problems relating to crack fracture and failure can be accomplished using the displacement discontinuity boundary element method. This paper presents an extension to the normal formulation of this method to enable stress intensity factors to be solved directly at the crack edges. This is achieved by employing an enhanced edge collocation procedure. The limiting interpretation of the governing integral equations is discussed and two simple examples are presented to illustrate the application of the method.