Self-consistent analysis of waves in a matrix-inclusion composite. III: A matrix containing cracks (Q1319068)

The self-consistent analysis developed in former parts [the authors, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 41, No. 10, 1589-1598 (1993; Zbl 0782.73022)] is applied to the study of waves in a body containing cracks, by taking the limits of the formulae already derived as the aspect ratio of the spheroids tends to zero. A direct formulation of cracks, which leads to the same equations, is briefly summarized. The numbers of equations that require solution for the various cases (empty or fluid-filled cavities, aligned or randomly oriented) are reduced substantially for cracks in comparison with spheroids, because there is only one density (that of the matrix) and effective moduli are only altered from their matrix values by components of stress that interact with the cracks. Sample results are presented.