Fatigue crack growth analysis using 2-D weight function

A method for crack growth analysis of planar cracks under arbitrary Mode I loading is presented in the paper. The method is based on the point-load (2-D) weight function used for the calculation of stress intensity factors. An algorithm for the analysis of fatigue crack growth of planar cracks, and validation results supporting the entire methodology is also discussed. Application examples of the proposed method for crack growth analysis under arbitrary Mode I stress fields are presented as well.