On the Stress Intensity Factor of cracks emanating from circular and elliptical holes in orthotropic plates

Abstract

Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs) for cracks emanating from circular holes in two-dimensional orthotropic bodies were numerically computed taking into account the effect of geometry and orthotropy. A semi-analytical expression for the correction factor was found fitting the numerical data. Finally, it was demonstrated how the same expression can be used to calculate the SIF for cracks emanating from elliptical holes once appropriate changes of variables are made.