An elliptic inclusion with imperfect interface in anti-plane shear

A semi-analytic solution is developed for the problem associated with an el liptic inclusion embedded within an infinite matrix in anti-plane shear. Th e bonding at the inclusion-matrix interface is assumed to be homogeneously imperfect. The interface is modeled as a spring (interphase) layer with van ishing thickness. The behaviour of this interphase layer is based on the as sumption that tractions are continuous but displacements are discontinuous across the interface. Complex variable techniques are used to obtain infini te series representations of the stresses induced within the inclusion. The results obtained demonstrate how the (non-uniform) stress field and the av erage stresses inside the inclusion vary with the aspect ratio of the inclu sion and the parameter describing the imperfect interface. In addition, it is shown that, in some cases (depending on the aspect ratio of the ellipse) , it is possible to identify specific values of the interface parameter whi ch correspond to maximum peak stress along the interface. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.