Description of the stress distribution around the crack front in the case of thin structures

This work shows the comparison of stress field descriptions in front of the crack based on generalized stress intensity factor and out-of-plane constraint description. The three-dimensional numerical simulations of the middle crack tension specimen are performed. Relevant fracture mechanics parameters are estimated using finite element simulations and used for semi-analytical stress field descriptions mentioned. Good agreement between out-of-plane constraint methodology and generalized stress intensity factor concept was found. The practical applications of the both concepts are analyzed and discussed.