Analysis of a three-dimensional dissimilar material joint with one real singularity using a conservative integral

In the present study, a conservative integral based on the Betti reciprocal principle is formulated to determine the intensity of singularity at a vertex of the interface in three-dimensional dissimilar material joints with one real singularity. Eigenanalysis formulated using a three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) is used to calculate the order of stress singularity, angular functions of displacements and stresses. Models with various element sizes and various integral areas are used to investigate the effect of the integration area on the accuracy of the results. The results are compared with those obtained from the boundary element method (BEM) using a curve-fitting technique to calculate the intensity of singularity. In addition, models of various lengths and various material combinations are used to investigate the stress singularity characteristics in three-dimensional dissimilar material joints. The results of the present study indicate that the conservative integral can be used to determine the intensity of singularity in three-dimensional bi-material joints. The accuracy of the results can be improved by mesh refinement. Finally, the relationships among the intensity of singularity, the order of stress singularity and the model geometry are discussed.