The opening of parallel cracks by an applied tensile stress

Abstract Two problems, involving non-coplanar parallel cracks in an infinite elastic body deforming under plane strain conditions, are discussed in terms of the theory of distributions of dislocations, using a real variable approach. The discontinuity in displacement at any crack is described by appropriate dislocation distribution functions, which are determined, for widely spaced cracks, by reducing the problems to the solution of a classical singular integral equation. Using a generalized fracture criterion, which is formulated in terms of the dislocation distribution functions, the condition for extension of a crack is determined.