On the numerical evaluation of stress intensity factors for an interface crack of a general shape

A numerical algorithm is presented for the problem of a crack along the int erface of an elastic inclusion embedded in an elastic plane subjected to un iform stress at infinity. The algorithm is based on a Fredholm integral equ ation of the second kind and allows for fast and accurate solutions to geom etries of great complexity. In an example crack opening displacement and st ress intensity factors are computed for a crack in the interface of an incl usion with nineteen protruding arms. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.