On the evaluation of the flexibility parameters of cracked beams based on the strain energy density theory

In this paper an approach that is able to derive the flexibility parameters in beams with an edge crack based on the strain energy density theory is presented. The method takes into account that the crack in a beam does not propagate in a collinear manner, but due to the presence of the mixed mode, it changes its direction. This allows a description of the phenomenon of the propagation of the crack similar to the experimental evidence. Preliminary results are presented for different position and initial length of the crack.