The mixed-mode analysis of a functionally graded orthotropic half-plane weakened by multiple curved cracks

The problem of functionally graded orthotropic half-plane with climb and glide edge dislocations is solved. Dislocations are used as the building blocks of defects to model cracks of modes I and II. Following a dislocation-based approach, the problem is reduced to a system of singular integral equations for dislocation density functions on the surfaces of smooth cracks. These integral equations enforce the crack-face boundary conditions and are solved numerically for the dislocation density. The numerical results include the stress intensity factors for several different cases of crack configurations and arrangements.