A method for the assessment of hyperstatic cracked structures in the elastic-plastic regime

This paper presents a methodology for the assessment of hyperstatic cracked structures constituted of high toughness materials which therefore break under Elastic-Plastic conditions. The method presented combines calculations based on Strength of Materials and Elastic-Plastic fracture mechanics to calculate the crack driving force applied to the cracked section by making its movements and those of the rest of the structure compatible. The application of the proposed assessment procedure is illustrated through the resolution of a practical example. The results of an experimental test, with the same geometrical configuration as the practical example, are also provided. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.