Stress intensity factor analysis for part-elliptical cracks in structures

A method based on the generalized weight function theory is used for solving three-dimensional linear elastic fracture mechanics problems. A complete system of equations of the weight function method (WFM) has been obtained for the calculation of stress intensity factors (SIF) for part-elliptical cracks subjected to arbitrary normal loading.A procedure of the WFM is described to analyze structural components containing surface (semi-elliptical), corner (quarter-elliptical) and embedded (elliptical) flaws. The efficiency of the proposed method is illustrated by solving a number of methodical problems