Elastic analysis of a half-plane with multiple inclusions using volume integral equation method

Abstract

A volume integral equation method (VIEM) is used to calculate the elastostatic field in an isotropic elastic half-plane containing circular inclusions subject to remote loading parallel to the traction-free boundary. The material of the inclusions may be either isotropic or anisotropic and they are assumed to be distributed in square or hexagonal array. A detailed analysis of the stress field at the interface between the matrix and one of the inclusions is carried out for different distances between the inclusion and the surface of the half-plane. The results of the calculations are compared with available results. The VIEM is shown to be very accurate and effective for investigating the local stresses in the presence of multiple inclusions. The method can be applied to multiple inclusions of arbitrary geometry and elastic properties embedded in extended isotropic elastic media.