Integral equation solution of the infinite strip with cracks and holes (Q579042)

This paper presents a simple and straightforward formulation applicable to any number, configuration and geometry of cracks (and/or holes) in an infinite strip. A hole is to be considered as a ``closed'' curved crack, i.e. no tip ends (with the space filled in and a stress distribution along the non-physical boundary equal and opposite to that on the physical side). First the problem of a dislocation in the uncracked strip is solved using Muskhelishvili's complex potentials and complex Fourier transforms. The above solution plays the role of the Green's function and consequently the problem is reduced to singular integral equations (S.I.Es) along the cracks (and/or holes). The S.I.E. is solved numerically for a single straight slant crack of various sizes and orientations, and the stress intensity factors obtained are reported and compared to those in the literature. The selection of this simple example serves to compare and test the method as well as increase the availability of the relative results in the literature. The simplified S.I.Es derived allow us to obtain better numerical results by using more appropriate numerical techniques.