Probabilistic fracture mechanics for nonlinear structures

A probabilistic methodology has been developed for fracture-mechanics analysis of nonlinear cracked structures. The methodology involves nonlinear finite element analysis using well-known commercial codes; statistical models for uncertainty in material constitutive law, fracture toughness, and loads; and standard reliability methods for evaluating probabilistic characteristics of elastic-plastic fracture parameter. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed methodology for two- and three-dimensional cracked structures. The results from these examples show that the methodology is capable of predicting accurate deterministic and probabilistic characteristics of the J-integral for use in elastic-plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.