Author(s)

J.A.L. Napier & E. Siebrits

Abstract

The displacement discontinuity method is implemented using polygonal shaped leaf elements. Element integrations are performed analytically, assuming a constant distribution across each element, and the resulting integrated kernels are written in a compact and efficient form. Some error properties of the polygonal elements are identified, when applied to the solution of a penny shaped crack. An intersecting crack problem is solved with irregular elements adjacent to the line of intersection. 1 Introduction The solution of two- and three-dimensional interacting crack systems can be posed as a boundary value problem in which the relative displacement jump across each crack is adjusted to satisfy given boundary conditions at the crack surfaces. This technique, known as the displac

Keywords