Theoretical development of the method of caustics for intersonically propagating interfacial crack

In this paper, a theory of caustics for an intersonically propagating interfacial crack is developed. Using the first invariant of stress singular field in the vicinity of the intersonically propagating tip of an interface crack, mapping equations are derived for the caustic curve on the reference plane as well as the initial curve on the specimen plane. The effect of the crack velocity on the caustic pattern is investigated. Two practically measurable characteristic dimensions are proposed. Using these characteristic dimensions, a simple procedure is also proposed for the evaluation of the stress singularity factor for the intersonically propagating interfacial crack.