Stress intensity factor solutions for a cracked bolt loaded by a nut

This paper presents the calculation of stress intensity factor (K) solutions for surface cracks in the thread ground of bolts subjected to axial loading directly applied by the nut. The stress-strain computations have been done by means of the finite element method with quarter-point singular isoparametric elements along the crack front. The stress intensity factor is calculated through the stiffness derivative method, by using a virtual crack...