On the stability loss of a bimaterial finite sized body with a tunnel crack in an interface

The stability loss of a finite sized layered system subjected to a uniform compressive load parallel to the free surface and containing an interface c rack is considered. The eigenvalue problem for the system of homogeneous Ca uchy-type singular integral equations of the second kind is formulated and the critical value of the load is found numerically by utilizing Gauss-Cheb yshev integral formula. Numerical results for the critical load are present ed for various geometrical parameters and material properties of both layer s. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.