Investigation of the Effect of Change in Center Crack Width on Stress Intensity Factor of Finite Plate

Abstract

In fracture mechanics, theoretical solutions are presented for idealized cases such as Infinite flat plate with edge crack, central crack and so on. Limitation of these theoretical solutions is that they are very restrictive and lot of assumptions are needed. Finite Element Analysis is widely used tool to determine Stress Intensity Factor (SIF). Mostly cracks initiate at geometric discontinuities (such as weld toes, voids, notches, holes, etc.) that induce large stress. Generally the stress intensity factors depend on the geometry of the workpiece and on loading condition. In this study investigation is carried on central cracked plate of a finite length to investigate effect of different values of crack on stress intensity factor. This paper highlight the effect of crack width on stress intensity factor.