Finite element solutions for stress intensity factors in longitudinally cracked cylindrical components

For longitudinally cracked cylindrical components experiencing arbitrary stress variation across the wall thickness, the stress intensity factor (SIF) expression, valid for a wide range of geometric variables, has been developed using the finite element method (FEM). In the finite element modelling, six-noded quarter point triangular elements encompassed by transitional elements were used to model the square-root strain singularity at the crack tip. The results were analysed using a multivariate regression technique to derive a geometry independent SIF expression. The component magnification factors of the developed expression were found to be accurate within −2·7 to +1·6%. With respect to the data available in the literature, the results compared well.