Stress intensity factors in shafts subjected to torsion and axial loading

The finite element method has been used to determine stress intensity factors (SIFs) of surface cracks in plain and fillet notched shafts subjected to torsion and axial loadings. The SIFs were obtained as part of a simulation of surface crack growth under fatigue conditions. The shape of the crack front was also predicted and compared to the crack front shapes observed on several test specimens.