THE AXISYMMETRICAL CRACK PROBLEM IN A NONHOMOGENEOUS MEDIUM

In this paper, the axisymmetric crack problem for a nonhomogeneous med ium is considered. It is assumed that the shear modulus is a function of z approximated by mu = mu0e(alphaz). This is a simple simulation of materials and interfacial zones with intentionally or naturally grade d properties. The problem is a mixed-mode problem and is formualated i n terms of a pair of singular integral equations. With fracture mechan ics applications in mind, the main results given are the stress intens ity factors as a function of the nonhomogeneity parameter alpha for va rious loading conditions. Also given are some sample results showing t he crack opening displacements.