Progress in three-dimensional elastic-plastic stress analysis for fracture mechanics

This paper summarizes progress in the development of finite element methods for three-dimensional elastic-plastic stress analysis in fracture mechanics. The work is directed toward the study of stress states near flaws such as a part-through crack in a pressure vessel wall, and emphasis is placed on the large scale plastic yielding range The development of a computer program with large computing capabilities is described. Special near crack tip elements and general isoparametric elements are employed in problems with two crack configurations. Preliminary results are given for the elastic analysis of a through crack and for the elastic-plastic analysis of a part-through semi-elliptical crack in a plate.