STEADY THERMAL STRESSES IN AN INFINITE NONHOMOGENEOUS ELASTIC SOLID CONTAINING A CRACK

Abstract

This article considers the crack problem for an infinite nonhomogeneous elastic solid subjected to steady heat flux over the crack surfaces. The aim is to understand the effect of nonhomogeneities of materials on stress intensity factors. By using the Fourier transforms, the problem is reduced to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind which is solved numerically. Results are presented illustrating the influence of the nonhomogeneity of the material on the stress intensity factors. For some groups of the material constants, there exist minimum stress intensity factors, which is very interesting for the understanding of compositions of advanced functionally gradient materials.