Author(s)

A.C. Neves, R.A. Adey, J.M.W. Baynham and S.M. Niku

Abstract

This paper described an automatic procedure for predicting crack growth in three dimensional structures as well as calculating the stress intensity factors at each crack increment. The procedure is implemented in a general purpose engineering analysis system BEASY. The system uses a dual boundary element technique to simplify the modelling of the cracks and to provide highly accurate stress intensity factors. Applications are presented for single cracks and results compared with analytical solutions. 1.0 Introduction In today's competitive marketplace, companies are seeking to improve the performance, quality and durability of their products in a short period of time. The complexity of modern products demands the use of computerized engineering analysis to optimize the product design and to increase competitiveness. The use of comput

Keywords