Stress intensity factor of a patched crack

Stress intensity factor for an isotropic cracked plate with orthotropic patch reinforcement is calculated by the finite element method. Three-dimensional (3-D) elements are employed in the present study with the help of an adhesive element analysis performed in advance. Different finite element modellings of the interface bonding are made in the present 3-D analysis to show its effect in the calculation of the stress intensity factor of a patched plate with a crack. 0 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved