Small edge crack in a semi-infinite solid subjected to thermal stratification

The mode I stress intensity factor for a small edge crack in an elastic half-space is found when the space is in contact with two stratified fluids of different temperatures, the boundary between the fluids oscillating sinusoidally over the solid surface. The variation in the stress intensity factor, which may lead to thermal fatigue crack growth, is examined as a function of time, crack depth, amplitude and temporal frequency of oscillation, surface heat transfer coefficient and material properties of the half-space. It is shown how this 'boundary layer' solution may be applied to problems involving finite geometries. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.