Dynamic stress intensity factor analysis of the interaction between multiple impact-loaded cracks in infinite domains

Abstract

In this work, the dynamic interaction between multiple cracks whose surfaces are symmetricallyimpact-loaded in infinite domains is investigated. Toward this end, the symmetric-Galerkinboundary element method (SGBEM) for 2-D elastodynamics in the Laplace-space frequency (Laplace-SGBEM) was employed to compute the dynamic stress intensity factors (DSIFs) for the cracks duringtheir interaction under dynamic loading conditions. Three examples of multi-crack dynamic interactionwere considered. The Laplace-SGBEM results show that the DSIFs will reach their maximumvalue after the cracks are loaded. It is followed by a damped-like oscillation of the DSIFs about theircorresponding static value. In addition, as the cracks approach each other, the dynamic stress field inthe vicinity of their crack tips interacts which results in an increase or decrease of the maximum DSIFs.

Keywords

• symmetric-Galerkin boundary element method; Laplace domain; dynamic stress intensityfactors; multi-crack dynamic interaction