Some stress intensity factors for self-similar cracks, derived from path-independent integrals

A new method of computing stress intensity factors for self-similar cracks in the plane is discussed. It is based on some known path-independent integrals whose forms make them suited for use in elastic fields showing expansional invariance. General integral formulas for the various segments of a chosen integration contour are presented and also applied. The integrals generally express the total energy release rate at self-similar growth, but for the expansion loaded star crack and the symmetrically cracked wedge opened by concentrated forces the stress intensity factors are obtained in closed form.Upprättat; 1978; 20071107 (ysko