An alternative 2D BEM for fracture mechanics in orthotropic materials

An original and alternative single domain boundary element formulation and its numerical implementation are presented for the analysis of orthotropic two-dimensional cracked bodies. The problem is formulated employing the classical displacement boundary integral representation and an alternative integral equation deduced on the basis of the stress function theory. This integral equation written on the crack provides the relations needed to determine the problem solution in the framework of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Numerical examples are reported and discussed to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed approach.