Stress intensity factors for three dimensional cracks by applying slice synthesis methodology

Applicability of the slice synthesis methodology with weight function to calculate stress intensity factor for three dimensional cracks is investigated. Although slice synthesis methodology has already been proposed, quantitative investigations of the applicability seem to be insufficient. The authors show the applicable limits of the embedded cracks by comparing conventional formula based on finite element analyses. It is confirmed that the ratio of crack depth to plate thickness effects the accuracy of stress intensity factors by applying the slice synthesis methodology.