The Fractal Finite Element Method (FFEM) for calculating 2-D stress intensity factors is modified by making the similarity ratio in the construction of the fractal mesh a variable. Compared with other numerical methods, FFEM has several advantages. Firstly, only conventional finite elements are required for modelling the singularity at the crack tip. No new singular elements have to be derived. Secondly, the implementation and coding for this method can be achieved easily by modifying a standard finite element program, as only inversion and transformation of small matrices are needed. Finally, by employing a suitable analytical solution as a global interpolation function, SIF can be obtained directly and precisely, thus avoiding the need of special integration schemes.
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