Fracture mechanics transfer function for irregularly shaped two dimensional flaws

In an elastic medium, transfer functions converting a two-dimensional nondrcular flaw to a circular flaw with equivalent fatigue properties are developed for the simple case of uniaxial stress applied normal to the flaw plane. Elliptical and rectangular flaws are specifically discussed. The method outlined may have important applications in predicting the kinetics of growth of irregularly shaped flaws in conjunction with nondestructive measurements.