Finite element analysis of corner point displacements and stress intensity factors for narrow notches in square sheets and plates

It is possible to model a crack as a narrow parallel-sided notch with a semicircular tip. Surface displacements of narrow notches in the vicinity of a corner point where the notch tip intersects a free surface were investigated, using finite element analysis, for each of the three modes of crack tip surface displacement. Some reasonably accurate relevant stress intensity factors were determined by analysis of notch tip stresses. Tilt: extent of corner regions in which stress intensity measures, rather than stress intensity factors, dominate crack tip stresses was determined by analysis of the notch surface displacements and of relevant stress intensity; factors. Under nominal Mode III loading corner point effects are local, but under nominal Mode I and nominal Mode II loadings they are a combination of local and global effects. Volterra distorsioni are useful in the description of crack, and narrow notch, surface displacements under load.