Non-linear analysis of shallow cracks in smooth and notched plates Part 2: Finite element validation

In this Part 2, finite element results are presented to investigate the accuracy of the simplified methods for non-linear analysis of shallow cracks in smooth and notched plates presented in Part 1. The present study considers edge-cracked specimens made of power-hardening elastic-plastic material. The finite element models have been subjected to displacement or force control. Geometry factors for J solutions are tabulated on the basis of two-dimensional finite element calculations, covering different specimen geometries and types of loading. The accuracy of the closed-form geometry factors presented in Part 1 are assessed using finite element calculations. It is observed that the type of loading affects the value of J. For displacement-controlled specimens, a purely elastic analysis yields conservative predictions of J, while elastic predictions of J are non-conservative for force-controlled specimens. The equation proposed for J is found to be in good agreement with finite element results under both force control and displacement control.