On the determination of stress intensification factors for a wearing half-space

Abstract An iterative method is described of deriving Modes I and II stress intensification factors for a crack lying horizontally within an obliquely loaded elastic half-space. It is shown that the maximum S.I.F. values lie well below the surface for Mode II, and that they depend on the ratio of crack length to loading width. The method is applicable to both free-shear and shear-under-compression regions. Realistic growth rates consistent with moderate loading are obtained.