SEDL / STP / STP1296-EB / STP16255S

A Three-Dimensional Weight Function Method—Evaluation and Applications

Zhao, W
Adjunct professor and professor, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Newman, JC
Senior scientist, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA

Sutton, MA
Adjunct professor and professor, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Pages: 17    Published: Jan 1997

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Abstract

A three-dimensional weight function method is evaluated by comparisons with exact or finite element solutions available in the literature. Three typical crack configurations considered are embedded elliptical crack, semi-elliptical surface crack, and quarter elliptical corner crack. It is found that the assumptions made in the weight function method are appropriate for the crack configurations considered. The method is shown to have the capability of providing accurate results without using a reference solution in many cases. A few application examples are given.