THE FIBER-MATRIX INTERFACE CRACK

The problem of an interface crack between a circular fiber and the sur rounding matrix is considered. The problem is formulated and solved wi th the help of complex variable methods. It is essential to take into account the existence of contact zones at the crack tips. The solution procedure relies on the use of crack opening displacements as the pri mary variables. Ultimately the governing equations are shown to consis t of two coupled singular integral equations together with contact and single valuedness conditions. In general these equations must be solv ed by numerical methods. Attention is focused on the lengths of the co ntact zones. It is shown that the lengths of these contact zones are e ssentially independent of one of the Dundurs parameters.