A series of well-defined test cases have been carried out for the NAFEMS Fracture Mechanics Working Group to provide checks on the ability of finite element programs to produce accurate solutions to specific three-dimensional fracture problems. Both the ABAQUS and BERSAFE finite element codes were used for this work.

Linear elastic analyses of a centre-cracked plate under tension were carried out to quantitatively evaluate mesh convergence requirements and various methods of parameter evaluation. The methods developed in this part of the work were then applied to curved crack geometries, which included embedded and surface cracks in plates and cylinders.

Details of the test cases considered and the results are presented in this report.

Contents

INTRODUCTION

CENTRE CRACKED PLATE

EMBEDDED PENNY CRACK

SURFACE CRACKED PLATE

SURFACE CRACKED CYCLINDER

References

Appendix A