The inclusion problem with a crack crossing the boundary

Abstract

The problem of an elastic plane containing an elastic inclusion is considered. It is assumed that both the plane and the inclusion contain a radial crack and the two cracks are collinear. The problem is formulated in terms of a system of singular integral equations. In the interesting limiting cases in which the crack tips approach the interface from either one or both sides, the dominant parts of the kernels become generalized Cauchy kernels giving rise to stress singularities of other than minus 1/2 power. For these unusual cases of a crack terminating at or crossing the interface stress intensity factors are defined and some detailed results are given for various crack-inclusion geometries and material combinations.