On the evaluation of path independent integral JF*for circular arc crack

Abstract

Considering appropriate energy balance laws, new conservation integrals consisting of path and area forms, have been derived by the authors for a two-dimensional stationary circular arc crack subjected to multiple loads. As a sequel to our previous work, we present here further numerical results in the finite element context and examine the invariant property of the integrals computed on several contours for various geometries. The first part of the investigation refers to the incremental elastic-plastic analyses under mechanical loads whereas in the second part; analyses have been carried out under thermal loads. Within the limits of computational accuracy, the present finite element results demonstrate that the path independence is well preserved over the integration contours for both types of loads. Copyright © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.