Crack approaching perpendicularly the boundary of a rectangular sheet: An integral equation and finite element solution

A series of crack problems are confronted combining the method of Singular-Integral Equation and the method of Finite-Element with the help of Schwarz's Alternating Method. In this way the capability of the Singular-Integral Equations Method to describe accurately singular fields is complemented by the ability of the Finite-Element Method to solve bodies with complicated boundaries. Applications are made in the case of a crack approaching perpendicularly a straight boundary of a finite sheet and in the case of an edge crack. The results, namely the values of stress intensity factors at the crack-tips, are satisfactory although few classical elements are used.