THE SINGULAR EQUILIBRIUM FIELD AT THE NOTCH-TIP OF A COMPRESSIBLE MATERIAL IN FINITE ELASTOSTATICS

The equations of the equilibrium theory of thin hyperelastic sheets un der plane stress condition are deduced for a Compressible Neo-Hookean material. Such an analysis is then employed to formulate, within the f ramework of fully nonlinear fracture mechanics, the notch problem unde r general far-field loading conditions. By means of an asymptotic proc edure, the deformation and stress singular fields near the notch-tip a re computed and their principal properties are illustrated in detail. Some disagreements with the linear theory are evidenced.