On the Stress Intensity Factor of cracks emanating from circular and elliptical holes in orthotropic plates

Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs) for cracks emanating from circular holes in two-dimensional orthotropic bodies were numerically computed taking into account the effect of geometry and orthotropy. A semi-analytical expression for the correction factor was found fitting the numerical data. Finally, it was demonstrated how the same expression can be used to calculate the SIF for cracks emanating from elliptical holes once appropriate changes of variables are made.

Automated summary

The study numerically computed Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs) for cracks emanating from circular holes in two-dimensional orthotropic bodies, considering the effect of geometry and orthotropy. A semi-analytical expression for the correction factor was found by fitting the numerical data. It was also demonstrated how the same expression can be applied to calculate the SIF for cracks emanating from elliptical holes with appropriate changes of variables.