Analysis of Breathing Cracks Using a Cracked Beam Element

摘要

This work describes a method which has been used to create a new, rotating beam finite element with a crack at its mid-plane. The effects of the crack on the force-deflection characteristics of the element have been found by intensive modelling of the cracked element followed by a condensation of th degrees of freedom. The breathing effect of the crack has been analysed. The element has subsequently been incorporated into a non-linear finite element code for analysis of crack growth using da/dN data in transversely loaded rotating shafts.