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Elastostatic interaction of cracks in the infinite plane

Citation

Pučik, Thomas Antone (1972) Elastostatic interaction of cracks in the infinite plane. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/BVJ3-BV94. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:09282010-083924490

Abstract

The stress boundary value problem of an infinite, planar region with embedded rectilinear cracks is investigated from the viewpoint of two-dimensional, static, linear elasticity theory (plane strain or generalized stress). Any finite number of cracks may be considered. Their orientation may be arbitrary, so long as they do not intersect. Boundary loadings may take the form of quite general in-plane tractions along the crack surfaces, together with a bounded in-plane stress field at infinity. Using Muskhelishvili’s solution for colinear cracks, the problem is reduced to a set of one-dimensional Fredholm integral equations. A simple numerical technique is presented for the approximate solution of these equations. The method is established to possess an extremely high rate of convergence. Results are presented for a number of two-crack interaction problems. As expected, the interaction of the cracks generally tends to reduce the fracture strength of a material, relative to the strength that would exist with either crack acting independently. However, for certain orientations, it is found that the interaction phenomenon can actually increase the resistance to fracture.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Aeronautics
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Aeronautics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Knauss, Wolfgang Gustav (advisor)
  • Knowles, James K. (advisor)
Group:GALCIT
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:18 April 1972
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:09282010-083924490
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:09282010-083924490
DOI:10.7907/BVJ3-BV94
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:6065
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Benjamin Perez
Deposited On:28 Sep 2010 16:12
Last Modified:21 Dec 2019 01:56

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