Review of limit loads of structures containing defects

A survey of existing limit loads of structures containing defects is given here. This is of use in performing a two-criterion failure assessment, in evaluating the J or C∗ parameters by the reference stress approximation, or in evaluating continuum creep damage using the reference stress. The geometries and loadings considered are (by section number): (2) single-edge notched plates under tension, bending and shear; (3) internal notches in plates under tension, bending and shear; (4) double-edge notched plates under tension, bending and shear; (5) short surface cracks in plates under tension and bending; (6) axisymmetric notches in round bars under tension and torsion, and chordal cracks in round bars under torsion and bending; (7) general shell structures; (8) surface/penetrating axial defects in cylinders under pressure; (9) surface/penetrating circumferential defects in cylinders under pressure and bending; (10) penetrating/short surface/axisymmetric surface defects in spheres under pressure; (11) penetrating/surface longitudinal/circumferential defects in pipe bends under pressure or bending; (12) surface defects at cylinder-cylinder intersections under pressure; (13) axisymmetric surface defects at sphere-cylinder intersections under pressure and thrust.