A CRACK PERPENDICULAR TO AND TERMINATING AT A BIMATERIAL INTERFACE

Using dislocation simulation approach, the basic equation for a finite crack perpendicular to and terminating at a bimaterial interface is f ormulated. A novel expansion method is proposed for solving the proble m. The complete solution to the problem, including the explicit formul ae for the T stresses ahead of the crack tip and the stress intensity factors are presented. The stress held characteristics are analysed in detail. It is found that normal stresses sigma(x) and sigma(y) ahead of the crack tip, are characterised by Q fields if the crack is within a stiff material and the parameters \p(T)\ and \q(T)\ are very small, where Q is a generalised stress intensity factor for a crack normal t o and terminating at the interface. If the crack is within a weak mate rial, the normal stresses sigma(x) and sigma(y) are dominated by the Q field plus T stress.