The \(T_1\) path independent integral in anisotropic media (Q1371270)

The path independent integrals (PII's) have been often used in combination with the finite element method for the evaluation of the stress intensity factors in crack problems for plates. The advantage of PII's is that they can give information about the local singular crack-tip field from the non-singular stresses and the displacements far away from it. Thus the need for special elements, dealing with the tip stress singularity, is avoided. In this communication, a formula is given for the evaluation of a particular PII, namely the \(T_1,\) in terms of stresses and displacements only. Hence a substantial amount of saving of computational time can be achieved.