APES--Second Generation Two-Dimensional Fracture Mechanics and Stress Analysis by Finite Elements.
Abstract
Computer program APES utilizes a high order isoparametric finite element and two different singular crack tip elements. It can treat elastic axisymmetric, plane strain, or plane stress problems and is particularly valuable for stress concentration problems and linear fracture mechanics applications. The behavior characteristics of the finite elements are given, and abundance of case studies are included, and detailed preparation of input data is described. Thus the report will enable the designer/analyst to immediately put the program to practical use. It is shown that accurate stress intensity factors for cracked structures under combined Modes I and II loading conditions are calculated directly and need not be inferred later. The manpower associated with finite element analysis is reduced by an order of magnitude, and the accuracy of the method is significantly increased. It is demonstrated that elastic planar and axisymmetric stress and fracture mechanics analysis can now be performed quickly, inexpensively, and very accurately for highly complex structures in a manner that is appealingly simple. This work has direct application to fatigue and fracture problems in which the behavior of full-scale structural details is predicted on the basis of the behavior of simple, controlled laboratory specimens. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA025217
Entities
People
- L. Nash Gifford Jr.