Evaluation of the Fracture Parameters in a Cracked Plate Using the Crack Opening Displacements

A numerical-analytical method is proposed for estimating the modes I and II stress intensity factors and determining stresses that act along a crack line before the crack appears. Displacements discontinuities measured at several points at the crack faces are used as initial data. The method is based on the integral representation of the solution governing elastic equilibrium of an anisotropic plate with a curvilinear cut. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated using an example of typical thin-walled structural element with cracks.