Finite element analysis with a special fracture linespring element

The concept of linespring has been extensively used on the past years to calculate the stress intensity factor of part through cracks in shell structures. The aim of this paper is to present: A finite element formulation that has the advantage of computing at the element level the stiffness densities. The range of geometrical parameters for which this formulation yields accurate and reliable stress intensity factor for reactor engineering analysis. An improved element that takes care of locking problems occuring on non straight cracks. (orig./GL)