| Abstract: | The boundary element method has been applied with success to linear elastic fracture mechanicproblems, involving static and dynamic cases. In order to solve body force problems (e.g., gravitational forcesand transient problems with velocities and accelerations), Nardini and Brebbia presented, in 1982, the dualreciprocity formulation. Originally with the intention of solving transient problems using fundamental solutionsof the static formulation, the procedure was found to be very efficient in the solution of body force problemsas well. Also, a Green’s function corresponding to an embedded crack within the infinite medium can beintroduced into the boundary element formulation as the fundamental solution. This yields accurate means ofcalculating only the external boundary unknown displacements and tractions and, in a post-processing scheme,determining the crack opening displacements. This paper introduces an approach that involves the numericalGreen’s function procedure, of Telles and coworkers, and the dual reciprocity formulation. It compares beamsolutions with the simulated effect of the total weight applied as a concentrated boundary force, the actualself-weight as a body force and a frequency- and time-dependent transient Heaviside load applied to a platewith a central crack. |
