Mixed mode cracks in Reissner plates

Abstract

Based on the sixth order Reissner plate theory, the generalized displacement functions for a cracked plate are derived by eigenfunction expansion method. The fractal two-level finite element method is employed to obtain the stress (moment and shear) intensity factors for the center cracked plate subjected to out-of-plane bending and twisting loads. The numerical results from the present method are checked with those available in literature. Highly accurate stress intensity factors are predicted for a wide range of thickness to crack length ratio and a full range of PoissonÆs ratio provided that the radius of fractal mesh to thickness ratio is not less than 1/10.