Introducing new cracked finite elements and a method for SIF calculation of cracks

Two different types of 8-node cracked quadrilateral finite element are presented for fracture applications. The first element contains a central crack and the other one includes an edge crack. The introduced elements are applicable in 2D problems. The crack is not physically modeled within the element, but instead, its effects on the stiffness matrix are taken into account by utilizing linear fracture mechanics laws. Furthermore, a simple and practical procedure is proposed for calculation of stress intensity factor (SIF) by employing proposed cracked elements. Several numerical examples are presented to evaluate the capabilities of the proposed elements and procedure.