Numerical simulations and experimental measurements of the stress intensity factor in perforated plates

A numerical procedure, which combines two hybrid finite element formulations, was developed to analyse the stress intensity factors in cracked perforated plates with a periodic distribution of holes and square representative volume elements. The accuracy of the method in predicting the stress intensity factor was verified by a comparison with experimental measurements, carried out by a photoelasticity method, and by commercial finite element software. Several simulations were executed by varying both the crack length and the hole diameters, and the effects of the holes on the stress intensity factor are illustrated. The method shows high accuracy and efficiency, as small differences were observed when compared with the traditional finite element method, notwithstanding a strong reduction in degrees of freedom and mesh complexity.