Stress intensity factors for internal multiple cracks in thick-walled cylinders stressed by internal pressure using load relief factors

Abstract The concept of “load relief factor’ is used to determine in an approximate manner stress intensity factors for a multiply-cracked plane and an axisymmetric body. To demonstrate the validity of the method, which utilizes known available solutions, it is first shown to conservatively agree, within engineering accuracy, to that obtained from a more exact formulation. Stress intensity factors are then found for multiple-internal radial cracks in hollow cylinders of various wall ratios, stressed by internal pressure. Such a solution, although approximate and heretofore unavailable, will aid in ordnance design applications and serve as guidance until more rigorous analyses become available.