THEORY OF COHESIVE CRACK MODEL WITH INTERACTIVE CRACKS

A theory of cohesive crack model is proposed to study crack interactio n. The elastic behavior of the structure is represented by the influen ce functions, and the model is cast as integral equations. When there is more than one crack, the behavior of unloading cracks must be studi ed. The stability property of the cohesive crack model is characterize d by its rate equations. As an example, the theory is applied to solve the:problem of a half plane with periodic cracks on its surface. Some interesting features of the solution are described: (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.