A semi-infinite interface crack interacting with subinterface matrix cracks in dissimilar anisotropic materials. I. Fundamental formulations and the J-integral analysis

Abstract

The J-integral analysis is presented for the interaction problem between a semi-infinite interface crack and subinterface matrix microcracks in dissimilar anisotropic materials. After deriving the fundamental solutions for an interface crack subjected to different loads and the fundamental solutions for an edge dislocation beneath the interface, the interaction problem is deduced to a system of singular integral equations with the aid of a superimposing technique. The integral equations are then solved numerically and a conservation law among three values of the J-integral is presented, which are induced from the interface crack tip, the microcracks and the remote field, respectively. The conservation law not only provides a necessary condition to confirm the numerical results derived, but also reveals that the microcrack shielding effect in such materials could be considered as a redistribution of the remote J-integral. It is this redistribution that does lead to the phenomenological shielding effect.