Modeling of singular stress fields using finite element method

The paper discusses methods of modeling of singular stress fields in problems with angular corners. A novel method of analytical constraints has been proposed. In this method the relations between the displacements of the finite element nodes are assumed to conform to the analytical solution. The method of analytical constraints has been used for calculations of the stress intensity factors and of the coefficients of the two consecutive terms of the asymptotic solution in the case of elements with cracks and V-notches under uniaxial and biaxial loading. Singular finite elements have been applied and various mesh discretisations have been used. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.