Automatic crack propagation studies in T-junctions and cross bars

Theoretical investigations have been performed on slowly propagating cracks in T-junctions and cross bars using computer procedures developed to analyse the amount and direction of crack growth using automatic mesh modification and the finite element stress analysis program, BERSAFE. The procedures may be used in a linear or non-linear material. The crack growth for the linear elastic case is calculated to be in the direction of the maximum energy release rate. For the non-linear case, the direction is taken to be that of Jwi*. These procedures have been applied to fatigue crack growth calculations in this paper.