Crack–inclusion interaction for mode II crack analyzed by Eshelby equivalent inclusion method

Abstract

The interaction between an inclusion of arbitrary shape and a crack subjected to a remote mode II stress is investigated. The approximate solutions to predict the variations in crack-tip stress intensity factors of mode II crack induced by the inclusion have been developed both for the cases where the crack tip is near or within the inclusion. The solution technique is based on the transformation toughening theory. The transformation strain induced by the inhomogeneity between matrix and inclusion is estimated based on the Eshelby equivalent inclusion method. As validated by numerical examples, the approximate solutions have satisfactory accuracy for a variety of inclusion shapes and a wide range of the modulus ratios between inclusion and matrix.