Validation of the Boundary Element Method Applied to Complex Fracture Mechanics Conditions
Abstract
This thesis presents analyses of several fracture mechanics problems via the Boundary Element Method. Specifically, an indirect procedure known as the Displacement Discontinuity Method was used to solve problems involving cracks in isotropic or specially orthotropic materials. Infinite as well as finite regions were considered. A series of configurations were analyzed and compared with either analytic solutions or results from a finite element model. Agreement for the infinite-domain problems was excellent, while solutions to the finite-domain problems ranged from good to excellent. Advantages and disadvantages of the Displacement Discontinuity Method are briefly discussed. The main advantage of the method is the requirement to model only the boundary of the problem under consideration. The major disadvantage is the time required to solve the resulting fully-populated matrix equation. Separate FORTRAN codes are provided as appendices for the two material types - isotropic and orthotropic. These programs may be utilized for either stress or fracture analyses. Program outputs include displacements, stresses, and stress intensity factors, as appropriate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA216412
Entities
People
- Ralph E. Urch
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology