Universal weight functions for elastically anisotropic, angularly inhomogeneous media with notches or cracks

Abstract

Two-dimensional weight function theory is extended in this paper so as to compute stress intensity factors for inhomogeneous anisotropic elastic solids with notches and cracks. Elasticity constants have an arbitrary angular dependence around the notch (crack) tip. Particular crack and inhomogeneity geometries are analysed including interface cracks in anisotropic bimaterials. Specimens of finite size and arbitrary geometry, with both forces and dislocations present, are considered. Weight functions for forces and dislocations are treated equally by means of a six-dimensional real form representation. Following the Bueckner concepts of regular and fundamental fields, it is suggested that the fundamental field asymptote should be derived explicitly close to the tip, and then the reciprocity theorem for the evaluation of the stress intensity factors should be applied.