Crack analysis using an enriched MFS domain decomposition technique

In this paper we consider the application of the method of fundamental solutions to solve crack problems. These problems present difficulties, which are not only related to the intrinsic singular nature of the problem, instead they are mainly related to the impossibility in choosing appropriate point sources to write the solution as a whole. In this paper we present: (1) a domain decomposition technique that allows to express a piecewise approximation of the solution using a method of fundamental solutions applied to each subdomain; (2) an enriched approximation whereby singular functions (fully representing the singular behaviour around the cracks or other sources of boundary singularities) are used. An application of the proposed techniques to the torsion of cracked components is carried out. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.