The Weight-Function Theory for Piecewise Homogeneous Isotropic Notches in Antiplane Strain

Abstract

An extension of the two-dimensional weight-function theory in linear elastic crack mechanics is introduced for piecewise homogeneous isotropic notched structures under antipiane strain conditions. Using the concepts of fundamental fields and elastic reciprocity, we show that the notch-interface stress-intensity factor for a notch with the tip situated at the material interface can be computed for any antiplane strain loading through the notch-interface weight function by quadrature. Closed-form notch-interface weight functions are given for some simple geometries.