An Equivalent Inclusion Method for a Three-Dimensional Lens-Shaped Crack in Anisotropic Media

Publisher Summary Micro cracks in materials sometimes take a three-dimensional lens-shape. This chapter discusses an equivalent inclusion method for a three-dimensional lens-shaped crack in anisotropic media. The equivalent inclusion method can provide the crack opening displacements, crack extension forces, the stress concentration factor, and the stress intensity factor. The method reveals some difficulties that are involved in deriving the stress intensity factors from the stress concentration factors through a limiting process. The chapter presents uniform applied stress fields at infinity.