On The Use Of The ICCI Method In 3-d CrackProblems

In one of our recent publications [1], a formula for the computation of the strain energy release rate from 3-D singularity finite elements was derived based on the Irwin's Crack Closure Integral (ICCI) method. In this paper, the stress intensity factors of embedded elliptical and semi-elliptical surface cracks in a finite thickness plate subjected to tension are calculated using this formula. Comparisons between the numerical results obtained using the formula and those from the literature [2,3] showed that the proposed technique yields accurate stress intensity factors.