EDGE FUNCTION-ANALYSIS OF CRACK INTERACTION IN ANISOTROPIC MATERIALS

The edge function method for anisotropic elasticity is based on the co mplex variable formulation and on the superposition of analytical solu tions to the field equations. Herein the method is extended to the stu dy of fracture interaction in anisotropic materials. Numerical results indicate that echelon crack formations are preferred. The effect of v ariation in Young's modulus is noted, while the variation of Poisson's ratio or shear modulus is not significant. Studies of multiple cracks suggest that the method is well suited to the efficient analysis of s uch problems, either on its own or in combination with other conventio nal schemes. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.