On the use of elemental quantities to compute NSIFs at pointed V-notches with non-regular coarse meshes

Abstract In this work, the possibility to use elemental quantities, computed from non-regular coarse meshes, to assess Notch Stress Intensity Factors at pointed V-notches (with a notch opening angle different from zero) is explored. To this end, the analytical expressions for the Energy Density and averaged stresses over a four sided finite element close to the notch tip are firstly derived, based on Williams equations under pure Mode 1, Mode 2 and Mode 3, as well as for mixed Mode loadings. Subsequently, taking advantage of a large number of examples, non-uniform, coarse, mesh patterns are used to back calculate the NSIF values simply inverting the above-mentioned analytical expressions, also discussing the accuracy, the advantages and the limitations of this approach.