Formulation of cracked beam element for analysis of fractured skeletal structures

In this paper, a cracked element is developed incorporating a non-propagating edge crack into a structural beam member. The additional flexibility that the crack generates is evaluated using strain energy density factors given by linear fracture mechanics. Based on this flexibility the stiffness matrix of the cracked beam element is deduced. The governing equations of the element can be treated as in the usual way of finite element procedures. In this formulation, the crack depth and location are considered as independent global design parameters. Thus, this element is appropriate for static and dynamic analysis of skeletal structures with crack-like damages. The convergence, accuracy and computational efficiency of the presented element are validated through comparisons with experimental and numerical results available from the literature.