Gradient elasticity with surface energy: Mode-I crack problem (Q1282636)

The solution of the mode-I crack problem is given by using an anisotropic strain-gradient elasticity theory with surface energy. The solution is derived by applying the Fourier transform technique and the theory of dual integral and Fredholm integral equations. Asymptotic analysis of the solution close to the tip gives a cusping crack with zero slope of the crack displacement at the crack tip. Cusping of the crack tips is caused by the action of ``cohesive'' double forces behind and very close to the tips, that tend to bring two opposite crack lips in close contact. Consideration of Griffith's energy balance approach leads to the formulation of a fracture criterion that predicts a linear dependence of the specific fracture surface energy on increment of crack propagation for such crack length increments that are comparable with the characteristic size of material's microstructure. This theoretical result agrees with experimental measurements of the fracture energy dissipation rate during fracturing of polycrystalline, polyphase materials such as rocks and ceramics.