Interface crack tip singularity with contact and friction

The interface crack tip singularity is numerically investigated within the generalised plane strain framework, with anisotropic substrates. Under the assumption that there is a contact zone along the crack front, the friction less contact case and Coulomb's friction law are examined. The slip directi on being prescribed, it is then shown that friction acts like a crack tip b lunting, and the singularity is weaker than in the frictionless contact or crack opening cases. (C) Academie des sciences/Elsevier, Paris.