A finite element alternating approach for the bending analysis of thin cracked plates

Based on the classical plate theory, the analytical solution for an infinte thin plate containing a crack subjected to arbitrary symmetric bending moments on the crack surfaces is first derived. Using this solution, an efficient and accurate finite element alternating procedure is then devised to deal with symmetric plate bending problems with single or multiple cracks. The interaction effect among cracks and the influence of the geometric boundaries on the calculation of bending stress intensity factors are also presented in detail. Several numerical examples are solved to demonstrate the validity of the approach.