Weight functions for a surface semi-elliptical crack in a finite thickness plate

Abstract Weight functions for the surface and the deepest point of a semi-elliptical crack in a finite thickness plate were derived from a general weight function and two references stress intensity factors. The weight functions were validated against finite element data by comparison of stress intensity factors calculated for several linear and non-linear stress fields. Differences were less than 2% for the surface point and 5% for the deepest point. The final weight functions are given in closed forms suitable for computer numerical integration. The weight functions appear to be particularly suitable for fatigue crack growth prediction of semi-elliptical cracks and fracture analysis of such cracks in complex stress fields.