Evaluation of K-factors and weight functions for 2-d mixed-mode multiple cracks by the boundary element alternating method

The concept of the Schwartz-Neumann alternating method, in conjunction with the boundary element method to solve for the stresses in an uncracked body and an analytical solution for an embedded 2-D crack subjected to arbitrary crack face loading in an infinite domain, is used to detennine the mixed-mode K-factors and weight functions for cracks in finite bodies. Situations of edge-cracks, as well as multiple cracks, all under mixed mode loading, are considered. The boundary element method is better suited for these problems since, pointwise evaluation of stresses at the location of the crack in the uncracked body is more accurate and simple once the tractions and displacements on the boundary are determined. It is expected that the above method would yield highly accurate results in the least expensive way, even compared to the finite element alternating method.