Abstract :
Vanishing divergence of Eshelby’s (energy
momentum) tensor allows formulation of path or
domain independent integral expressions of the crack
extension force. In this work, a decomposition scheme
of this tensor is presented, which results in zero divergence
decomposed parts that allow formulation of
expressions yielding the Mode I, II and III crack tip
parameters J and K,with particular emphasis on Mode
III, at present. By using the Mode III decomposed part
of Eshelby’s tensor and the virtual crack extension
method, a path and a domain independent integral, both
new, for the crack extension force of a plane circular
crack in axi-symmetric Mode III loading, are derived
as examples of application.
