Finite element model of plate with elasto-plastic through crack

Abstract A rectangular plate finite element with a through crack has been developed in this paper. The model of the element is based on elasto-plastic fracture mechanics and the finite element method. The considered crack is non-propagating and open. Crack tip plasticity, at the cracked cross-section, is included in the model of local flexibility. The stiffness matrix takes into account the effect of flexural bending deformation due to the crack presence, whereas the inertia matrix remains unchanged. The elaborated model can be applied to static, dynamic and stability analysis of cracked plate-like structures.