Evaluation of multiple stress singularity orders of a V-notch by the boundary element method

A new technique concerning the evaluation of multiple stress singularity orders of a V-notch with the boundary element method is proposed. For linear elastic material, the asymptotic displacement field in a V-notch tip region is expressed as a series expansion with respect to the radial coordinate from the V-notch tip. The series expansion of the asymptotic field is then substituted into the boundary integral equation established on the V-notch. By boundary element discretization, the boundary integral equation is transformed into an eigen-equation with respect to the stress singularity orders. Hence the eigen-values, which are the singularity orders, can be obtained simultaneously by solving the eigen-equation. An evident feature of the present method is that the real and complex singularity orders together with the non-singularity ones can be obtained at the same time. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.