T-stress solutions determined by finite element computations

Failure of cracked components is caused by the stresses in the vicinity of the crack tip. The singular stress contribution is characterised by the stress intensity factor K, the first regular stress term is represented by the so-called T-stress. While stress intensity factor solutions are reported in handbooks for many crack types and loading cases, T-stress terms are available only for a small number of test specimens and simple loading cases, such as for instance pure tension and bending. T-stress solutions for components containing edge cracks were computed by application of the finite element method (FEM). The results are compiled in form of figures, tables or approximate relations. Since the stress intensity factors also arise during T-computations, they are reported, too. In addition, Green's functions for T-stresses are quoted, which enable to compute T-stress terms for any given stress distribution in the uncracked body. (orig.)