Application of the gradient strength criterion and the boundary-element method to a plane stress-concentration problem

A numerical algorithm for strength analysis of plane structural elements with stress concentrators is developed using the gradient strength criterion and the boundary-element method. As the first calculation test, the brittle fracture of a plate with a circular hole in tension is evaluated. To verify the algorithm and to compare the results of analysis with experimental data available in the literature, we consider symmetric and asymmetric problems of fracture of glass plates with a narrow elliptic hole in tension and compression. For all the problems, the accuracy of numerical results is estimated by comparison with analytical solutions. In comparison with the classical criteria, the use of the gradient strength criterion leads to better agreement between theoretical estimates and experimental data.