Three‐dimensional integration strategies of singular functions introduced by the XFEM in the LEFM

The use of the extended finite element method in the scope of linear elastic fracture mechanics induces the integration of singular functions in terms of the stiffness matrix and in the computation of stress intensity factors using the interaction integral method. An adapted method is proposed in this paper to treat efficiently the three‐dimensional case. The improvement is demonstrated by comparison with standard and other methods found in the literature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.