Author(s)

D.P. Rooke

Abstract

The boundary element method is a proven efficient and accurate method of solving both static and dynamic crack problems. Dynamic effects can arise either due to rapid loading (e.g. exposives or impact) or fast running cracks. These effects may need to be considered in fracture mechanics assessments of cracked structures. The magnitude of the stress intensity factor controls crack behaviour in both static and dynamic stress fields. Since the maxi- mum values of the dynamic stress intensity factor are usually larger than the steady-state, or static values, premature failure could result in a design based on static considerations only. The results of several studies of elas- todynamic crack problems, using various boundary element methods, are reviewed in this paper. In particular the amount by which the dynamic stress intensity fac

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