A new integral equation formulation for the analysis of crack-inclusion interactions

Abstract

A new integral equation method for the analysis of the interactions between cracks and elastic inclusions embedded in a two-dimensional, linearly elastic, isotropic infinite medium subjected to in-plane force is presented. By distributing dislocations along the crack lines and forces along the matrix-inclusion interfaces, a set of coupled integral equations is obtained. The discretization procedure of the integrals involved is discussed and the relations between the stress intensity factors and the values of the dislocation functions at the respective crack tips are derived. Several sample problems are presented in order to determine the versatility and the accuracy of this approach. © 1992 Springer-Verlag.