PROPAGATING SEMI-INFINITE CRACK IN FLUID-SATURATED POROUS-MEDIUM OF FINITE HEIGHT

Derived in this work are the Mode I stress intensity factor results for a constant velocity semi-infinite crack moving in a fluid-saturated porous medium with finite height. Two limiting cases are discussed; they correspond to a low and high speed crack propagation. To be expected is that the crack front stress intensification would increase as the medium height is reduced in relation to the segment length in which mechanical pressure is applied. Moreover, the stress intensity factor for the high speed crack is larger than the low speed crack, the magnification of which depends on the material. Dissatisfaction of the crack surface and tip boundary condition is found in the present solution which calls possibly for the additional consideration of a local boundary layer as discussed by other authors.