Mathematical modelling of the crack propagation in wood materials

In this paper we study the behaviour of a Mode I crack in a pre-stressed wood composite material. A mathematical model is associated to the mechanical problem. Starting from the boundary, constitutive and far field conditions we obtain the representation of the incremental displacement, stress and strain fields using two complex potentials. Using numerical analysis we determine the critical value, which causes crack propagation and the direction of crack propagation in a particular case of a Pine wood composite.