The stress intensity factor history for an advancing crack in a transversely isotropic solid under 3-D loading

The mode I extension of a half plane crack in a transversely isotropic solid under 3-D loading is analyzed. Firstly, the fundamental problem that the crack is subjected to a pair of unit point loads on its faces is considered. Transform methods are used to reduce the boundary value problem to a single integral equation that can be solved by the Wiener-Hopf technique. The Cagniard-de Hoop method is employed to invert the transforms. An exact expression is derived for the mode I stress intensity factor as a function of time and position along the crack edge. Based on the fundamental solution, the stress intensity factor history due to general loading is then obtained. Some features of the solutions are discussed through numerical results, (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.