Simplified constraint-modified failure assessment procedure for structural components containing defects

Two basic procedures are currently available to determine the critical condition of a flawed structure, at which unstable crack extension may occur. The first method based on elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is accurate but requires a time consuming elastic-plastic finite element analysis. The second method estimates the critical condition with an interaction diagram between linear elastic fracture mechanics describing brittle fracture, and a limit load analysis of the net section, i.e. the un-flawed ligament. This method is simpler to use but has a lower level of accuracy. The current paper provides a third option, consisting of a constraint-modified failure assessment procedure. It uses a linear elastic solution for evaluating brittle fracture and a simplified elastic-plastic analysis for evaluating plastic collapse. This third option provides good agreement with three considered tests.