Mode I stress intensity factor for cracked thin-walled open beams

A general analytical method to determine the mode I stress intensity factor for thin-walled beams is presented. This method is based on the concept of crack surface widening energy release rate, which is expressed in terms of the G* integral and the thin-walled beam theory. A distinctive aspect of this technique is the incorporation of the warping effect, which is a common feature in thin-walled beams that significantly influences in the stress distribution. This characteristic gives generality to the method, allowing the analysis of crack scenarios that have not been yet considered by other authors. The results show a good agreement with shell finite element solutions and other results available in the literature.