Multiple cracks and branch cracks in finite plane bodies (Q2277298)

In two previous papers [\textit{U. Sur} and the second author, Int. J. Fracture 38, 24 ff. (1988); the authors and \textit{U. Sur}, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng. 84, No.2, 211-226 (1990)] a method for analysis of smooth and kinked cracks in finite plane bodies was developed which enjoys several advantages over methods which employ the well-known ``dislocation-layer'' crack representation. This new technique coupled the boundary element method with a novel ``displacement-discontinuity'' representation of the internal crack. It was shown that this method is much simpler than other approaches but yields extremely accurate results. In this brief presentation, the new method is extended for application to multiple cracks and/or branch cracks in finite plane bodies. It is shown that the analysis of such complex crack geometries is straightforward with this technique and several examples are reported to demonstrate method accuracy.