Local limit load solutions for semi-elliptical surface cracks in plates subjected to combined membrane load and bending load.

Abstract: Local limit load solutions for plates containing semi-elliptical surface cracks subjected to pure membrane loading cases, pure bending loading cases and combinations of the two are determined using non-linear finite element analysis. Both loading cases that open the crack and loading cases that close the crack are considered. The study covers both shallow and deep cracks with different aspect ratios. Results from the finite element simulations are fitted to an analytical expression. The local limit load solutions from this work are compared with global and local limit load solutions from previous work. Furthermore, infinite cracks and the effect of crack-face contact are investigated.