Interaction between cracks and rigid-line inclusions by an integral equation approach

An integral equation approach is presented to investigate the interaction between cracks and rigid-line inclusions embedded in an infinite isotropic elastic matrix subject to remote loading. The relevant fundamental solutions in the integral formulation are presented. Special tip elements are used to simulate the rootr variation of the discontinuous displacements over the crack surfaces, and the axial and shear forces along the rigid-line inclusions. The stress intensity factors at the crack tips and at the ends of the rigid-line inclusions are computed and compared with available solutions.