THE BOUSSINESQ-WEDGE AND THE J(K), L AND M INTEGRALS

This paper examines the application of the J(k), L and M integrals, in complex-variable form, to the Boussinesq wedge. The wedge is symmetri cal and subjected to a point couple and point forces at the apex of th e wedge. In the case of a point couple acting at the wedge apex the J( y), L and M integals are found to vanish for all wedge angles whereas J(x) displays a 1/r(3) path-dependence; where r is a radial dimension measured from the wedge apex. When the wedge is subjected to point for ces at the wedge apex then J(x) and J(y) are 1/r path-dependent wherea s L and M are path-independent. The property that the L and M integral s are path-independent for the Boussinesq wedge is applied to the prob lem of determining the modes I and II stress intensity factors for a c orner-loaded edge crack in a half-plane subjected to bath normal and p arallel point forces to the free surface of the half-plane.