Analysis of the interference effect of arbitrary multiple parabolic cracks in plane elasticity by using a new boundary element method Original Research Article

This article concerns with the interference effect of arbitrary multiple parabolic cracks in plane elasticity by using a new boundary element method. The boundary element method consists of the non-singular displacement discontinuity element presented by Crouch and Starfied and the crack tip displacement discontinuity elements proposed by the author. In the boundary element implementation the left or the right crack tip displacement discontinuity element is placed locally at corresponding left or right each crack tip on top of the constant displacement discontinuity elements that cover the entire crack surface and the other boundary. The present numerical results of stress intensity factors for “the interference effect of two collinear parabolic cracks”, “the interference effect of three collinear parabolic cracks”, “the interference effect of two parallel parabolic cracks”, “the interference effect of three parallel parabolic cracks” and “the interference effect of two parabolic cracks” show that the numerical approach presented in the present study is simple, yet very accurate for analyzing the interference effect of arbitrary multiple parabolic cracks in plane elasticity.