Analysis of a Kinked Crack in Anti-Plane Shear

Abstract

A semi-infinite kinked crack in anti-plane shear is analyzed. The problem is formulated using the Mellin transform, and solved by the Wiener-Hopf technique. A closed form solution for displacement is obtained, from which the stress intensity factor is calculated. Particular emphasis is put on the stress intensity factor as the kinked length approaches zero, where two limit processes (both the distance from the crack tip and the kinked length approaching zero) are involved. It is found that the stress intensity factor depends on the order of performing the two limit processes. The results are compared with those by previous researchers. Also the energy release rate for this problem is computed.