Application of finite-part integrals to planar interfacial fracture problems in three-dimensional bimaterials

This paper deals with linear elastic fracture problems for a planar crack on an interface between two dissimilar elastic half-space solids bonded together. The finite-part integral concept is used to derive hypersingular integro-differential equations for the interfacial crack from the point-force solutions for a bimaterial space. Investigations on the singularities and the singular stress fields in the vicinity of the crack are made by the dominant-part analysis of the two-dimensional hypersingular integrals. Thereafter the stress intensity factor K-fields and the energy release rate G are exactly obtained by using the definitions of stress intensity factors and the principle of virtual work, respectively. The results show that, unlike the homogenous case, the asymptotic fields always consist of all three modes of fracture. Finally, some numerical examples of various aspects of elliptical cracks subjected to constant pressures are given.