On the numerical evaluation of stress intensity factors for an interface crack of a general shape

A numerical algorithm is presented for the problem of a crack along the interface of an elastic inclusion embedded in an elastic plane subjected to uniform stress at in nity. The algorithm is based on a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind and allows for fast and accurate solutions to geometries of great complexity. In an example crack opening displacement and stress intensity factors are computed for a crack in the interface of an inclusion with nineteen protruding arms. Copyright