Three-dimensional mixed-mode stress intensity factor solutions for inclined surface cracks in plate structures subjected to uniaxial and biaxial uniform tensile loading

This study presents normalized three-dimensional mixed-mode stress intensity factor (SIF) distributions for inclined surface cracks in finite-thickness plates under uniaxial tension. Inclination angle, aspect ratio and ratio of crack depth to plate thickness were chosen as variable parameters affecting the problem. Mixed -mode SIFs distributions are given comparatively with independent graphs for different combinations of parameters and their effects are also examined separately. The results indicate that at a constant ratio of a/c , magnitude of the normalized mode -I SIF increases with increasing ratio of a/t and decreases with increasing inclination angle, while mode -II and mode -III SIFs increase up to a specific value of inclination angle and decrease afterwards. Having compiled an extensive solution library of mixed-mode SIFs, as functions of the aforementioned parameters, regression-based equations are also generated for the crack front ' s free surface and deepest penetration points. It is also presented, using the principle of superposition, that the given solutions can be used for inclined surface cracks in thin-walled plate structures, such as thin-walled cylindrical pressure vessels, ship and other marine structures subjected to biaxial uniform tensile loading.