Cracks emanating from a square hole in rectangular plate in tension

A numerical analysis of cracks emanating from a square hole in a rectangular plate in tension is performed using a hybrid displacement discontinuity method (a boundary element method). Detailed solutions of the stress intensity factors (SIFs) of the plane elastic crack problem are given, which can reveal the effect of geometric parameters of the cracked body on the SIFs. By comparing the calculated SIFs of the plane elastic crack problem with those of the centre crack in a rectangular plate in tension, in addition, an amplifying effect of the square hole on the SIFs is found. The numerical results reported here also prove that the boundary element method is simple, yet accurate, for calculating the SIFs of complex crack problems in finite plate.