Exact solutions of mode-3 wedge-crack problems in a medium with a general nonlinear stress-strain relation

The model of a wedge crack produced by the combination of a displacement di scontinuity driving the crack and a uniform strain at infinity is considere d. One feature of the model is that although there is a stress singularity at the crack tip the wedge initiates the crack smoothly. This 'smoothness' condition imposes a relationship between the crack-length wedging displacem ent and applied loads. Exact solutions to this problem are obtained for any stress-strain relation for the situation of a wedge crack in an infinite m edium with a uniform strain applied at infinity and for a wedge crack in a displacement loaded strip.