Crack tip solution for Mode III cracks in spring interfaces

Considering an infinite linear elastic isotropic solid in antiplane shear, the Mode III crack-tip solution for a semi-infinite crack located in a straight spring interface is systematically studied for the first time. A new analytic expression for this crack-tip solution is given in the form of a double asymptotic series of the main and the so-called associated shadow terms. It is shown that the series of the shadow terms associated with a main term is infinite, and all shadow terms include logarithmic terms. Thus, although the interface tractions are bounded, the linear elastic solution at this crack-tip has a logarithmic stress singularity which is comprehensively analysed. Noteworthy, the character of this stress singularity is very different from the well-known square root singularity at the crack tip in the classical fracture mechanics. A key advantage of the present approach is its simplicity, as only elementary mathematical tools are employed, and also its easy implementation in a computer algebra software. The latter fact is very relevant because the expressions of higher-order shadow terms become increasingly complicated, so their generation by a computer code becomes crucial. The present results allow the implementation of new enriched or singular crack-tip finite elements for such cracks, and the automatic generation of analytic solutions for benchmark problems for testing the finite-element codes using these special elements. Such codes can be applied to efficient numerical modelling of interface cracks, e.g., in adhesively bonded joints with a thin adhesive layer.

Automated summary

This paper systematically studies the Mode III crack-tip solution for a semi-infinite crack located in a straight spring interface in an infinite linear elastic isotropic solid. A new analytic expression is provided for this crack-tip solution in the form of a double asymptotic series. The series of shadow terms associated with a main term is found to be infinite, and all shadow terms contain logarithmic terms. The present results have important implications for numerical modeling and benchmark testing of interface cracks.