Multiple coplanar embedded elliptical cracks in an infinite solid subject to arbitrary crack face tractions

Abstract

Abstract This paper extends the earlier work by the present authors for a single embedded crack in an infinite solid and presents a solution to the problem of multiple coplanar cracks in an infinite medium. An alternating method in conjunction with an analytical solution for a single crack is used to determine the stress intensity factors for interacting multiple coplanar embedded cracks in an infinite body. The alternating method, as implemented here, leads to a highly accurate evaluation of the appropriate stress intensity factors.