Stress intensity factor computation using the method of fundamental solutions: mixed-mode problems

The method of fundamental solutions is applied to the computation of stress intensity factors in linear elastic fracture mechanics. The displacements are approximated by linear combinations of the fundamental solutions of the Cauchy–Navier equations of elasticity and the leading terms for the displacement near the crack tip. Two algorithms are developed, one using a single domain and one using domain decomposition. Numerical results are given. Copyright q 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd