Analysis of interaction of bridged cracks and weak interfaces

Abstract

Structures with interfacial bridged cracks and weak interfaces are analyzed with the direct boundary integral equations method. Within the framework of this approach it is assumed that: a) the crack faces interact in some zones behind the crack tips (bridged zones); b) the sizes of these zones can be comparable to the whole crack length; c) different materials can be connected by mechanical ligaments and relative displacements of initially adjacent materials may occur under the loading (non-ideal or weak interfaces). The relations for the bridged crack opening and for the relative displacements at weak interface layer are defined by the transverse separation and tangential slipping to an interface surface. Several new problems for the interface bridged cracks, weak interface and interaction of bridged cracks with ideal or weak materials interface were solved and analyzed.