The problem of an orthotropic semi-infinite strip with a crack along the fixed end

The plane elasticity problem of an orthotropic semi-infinite strip containing a crack on the fixed end and subject to tractions along the sides is investigated. The model of a crack with frictionless contact zones near its tips is used. Quasi-invariance of a certain combination of the stress intensity factors relative to the contact zone length is established. This provides a basis for the numerical solution of various interface problems. Using this approach a system of singular integral equations for a semi-infinite strip is formulated and solved numerically. The stress intensity factors at the crack tips and the corners of the strip, which are the main parameters of fracture, are evaluated. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd