ABSTRACT
The weight-function method is a very useful and versatile method of evaluating the stress intensity factor for complex stress system. The knowledge of weight function gives an economical and efficient way of finding the stress intensity factor for any arbitrary stress system for the same geometry by simple integration. In this Chapter, the basis of the weight function theory using Bueckner’s singular displacement and various uses in crack opening displacement are discussed. The available known weight function for circular and line cracks are quoted. Analytical weight function for the elliptic crack both for normal and shear loading are discussed. The approximate method for determining the weight function for arbitrary cracks is also given. The Chapter ends with discussion of various applications.
