A novel singular finite element of mixed-mode crack problems with arbitrary crack tractions

A novel singular finite element is presented to study cracked plates with arbitrary traction acting on crack surfaces. Firstly, the analytical solution around crack tips is determined using the symplectic dual approach. Subsequently, the solution is used to develop a novel singular finite element, which depicts accurately the characteristic of singular stresses field near crack tips. And the novel element can be applied to solve cracked plates, and both Mode I and Mode II stress intensity factors can be determined directly and accurately. Lastly, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the present method.