by Gommerstadt, B. Y.

The energetics of two unequal-length collinear cracks for modes- I, II, III is considered. The analysis is performed for remote uniform load normal to the plane of cracks by applying the J and M path-independent integrals and the relationship between them. The material forces for each crack as well as the total crack energy of the system are evaluated. The exact closed form solution to this interaction problem is expressed as a function of cracks’ dimensions and spacing between them. The expression derived for the energy of interaction between a main crack and a nearby microcrack can be used for an estimate of the toughness degradation due to microcracks. Another application of the two-crack energy solution is related to the elastic compliance of cracked solids relevant for the cases when crack faces are in contact along certain areas.

DOI: 10.1007/s10704-009-9401-0
Online Date: 9/25/2009
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