General point load weight function for semi-elliptical crack in finite thickness plates

General point load weight function for semi-elliptical crack in finite thickness plates is derived. It is used to calculate stress intensity factors for any point along the crack front with the crack faces under two dimensional stress distributions. The comparison between the results obtained from the derived weight function and those available in literature is presented, indicating a good accuracy. In order to determine the pattern of crack growth, and to estimate fatigue life, this weight function can be easily used in plates as applied in industry under complicated stress fields such as residual stress field due to welding. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.