Fast, accurate, and stable algorithm for the stress field around a zig-zag-shaped crack

A new scheme decreases memory usage and execution time for the evaluation of certain weighted Cauchy type singular integrals. The scheme is incorporated into an algorithm based on an integral equation of Fredholm second kind. The algorithm computes mode I and II stress intensity factors of cracks in infinite elastic domains. Problems with analytical solutions are solved with relative errors less than 10−15. Earlier investigatorsʹ results for kinked cracks with one to four corners are improved. Cracks with a large number of corners can also be studied. In an example the stress intensity factors of a crack with 100 corners are calculated with a relative error of less than 10−6.