A novel hybrid finite element analysis of two polygonal holes in an infinite elastic plate

2D plates containing interacting double diamond holes, double square holes and double rectangular holes are considered. A novel finite element method together with the Hellinger–Reissner variational principle is used to formulate a super n-sided polygonal hybrid element that contains part of an inner conner of a polygonal hole. The generalized stress intensity factors (GSIFs) at the angular corner tip are systematically calculated for various geometry and spacing. The numerical results show that the present method yields satisfactory results with fewer elements. Compared with the conventional finite element methods, the present method is more suitable for dealing with complicated problems of stress singularity in elasticity.

► A novel hybrid finite element method is proposed to compute interaction problems of two polygonal holes.
► The present method yields satisfactory results with fewer elements.
► The present method is suitable for dealing with complicated problems of stress singularity.
► The maximum interactions for various geometry and spacing are investigated.