Wedge boundary elements for 2D problems with corner points

The paper presents results of 2D numerical experiments for calculating stress intensity factors (SIFs) for kinked and branched cracks using a Complex Variable Boundary Element Method. Both conventional (ordinary and tip) and singular wedge elements are utilized in the numerical scheme. The latter are characterized by specific asymptotes for the stress and displacement behavior in the vicinity of the corner points. The accuracy of SIFs calculations for small and “very” small kinks is evaluated and the role of wedge elements in improving the accuracy is studied. The perspectives for implementation of a non-local strength criterion of the Neuber-Novozhilov type in the Boundary Elements technique for kinked and intersecting cracks using wedge elements are described.