Improved stress intensity factors for selected configurations in cracked plates

• Improved geometry (or beta) factors were developed using 2D and 3D p-version FEA.
• Four key generic geometric configurations were considered.
• A broader range of parameters than currently available were analysed.
• Also, a higher density of solutions were calculated.
• Results are plotted and provided as compact equations or tabular data.

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.